Products and methods for reducing malodor from the pudendum

ABSTRACT

Products and methods are disclosed for reducing the production of unwanted odors from the pudendum.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/875,123, “Products and Methods for Reducing Malodor from thePudendum,” filed Sep. 2, 2010 by Shannon Klingman, which claims priorityto U.S. Patent Appl. Ser. No. 61/309,831, “Products and Methods forReducing Malodor from the Pudendum,” filed Mar. 2, 2010 by ShannonKlingman, and also U.S. Patent Appl. Ser. No. 61/289,992, “Products andMethods for Reducing Malodor from the Pudendum,” filed Dec. 23, 2009 byShannon Klingman, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to products and methods for personal care,particularly for reducing or preventing unwanted odor from the pudendum.

2. Description of Related Art

Fishy odors from the pudendal region or genitalia of the female bodyhave long been a source of annoyance and embarrassment to adult andteenaged women. Women seeking help from physicians are frequently givenantibiotics such as metronidazole, based on the long-standing beliefthat vaginal bacteria are the cause of the problem. Indeed, a fishy odoris commonly considered to be a symptom for bacterial vaginosis (see, forexample, “Bacterial Vaginosis,” Wikipedia ,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacterial_vaginosis, accessed Nov. 17,2009). Others seeking relief have tried a variety of products such asdouches which may provide only short-term decrease in the odor (if thevagina was the actual source of the odor). In spite of many medicationsand feminine hygiene products, there has been a long-standing unmet needin this area, fueled by lack of understanding about the causes and thenature of the problem, especially the assumption that fishy odor onlyarises from the vagina due to bacterial imbalance or infectious causesuch as bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas.

The “Whiff test” for vaginosis involves treating body fluids withpotassium hydroxide (KOH). A resulting fishy odor produced by an aminereaction is taken as an indicator for the presence of anaerobicbacteria. However, the amine reaction or related reactions that resultin a fishy odor can take place without addition of KOH, but under otherelevated pH conditions on the pudendum. The materials serving as asource for the nitrogen-containing compounds released as fishy odor(e.g., trimethylamine) can include semen, blood, urine, cervical mucusand post menopausal physiologic discharge. When these are brought incontact with the anaerobic bacteria from the rectum, an unpleasant fishyodor will result. The odor is known to be associated with reactions frombacteria, but the historic focus on bacteria in the vagina and theassumption that vaginitis or more specifically, bacterial vaginosis, isthe cause of the odor may have misled many in seeking for solutions thattreat bacteria in the vagina.

We have found that for many women, the source of the odor is morecommonly from the pudendum (including the intergluteal folds andexternal genitalia), where anaerobic bacteria from the lowergastrointestinal (GI) tract or other sources can be found. Theseanaerobic bacteria may be especially present on the external skin aroundthe perianal anatomy.

The new recognition that vaginal bacteria are not cause of fishy odor inmany women is of special significance, and helps explain why antibiotictreatments and other standard treatments have fared so poorly intreating many cases of fishy odor, and why may women presenting symptomsof fishy odor do not actually have bacterial vaginosis when thoroughtesting is conducted (see, for example, N. K. Lowe et al., “Accuracy ofthe Clinical Diagnosis of Vaginitis Compared With a DNA Probe LaboratoryStandard,” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 113, no. 1, January 2009, pp89-95, abstract available online athttp://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2009/01000/Accuracy_of_the_Clinical_Diagnosis_of_Vaginitis.15.aspxand Hope K. Haefner, “Conquering Resistant Vulvovaginitis,” 2007,presentation available online athttp://www.yellowdocuments.com/12180308-advancements-in-benign-vulvar-and).It also points to the long unmet need for improved means of reducing orpreventing fishy odor by better controlling the activity of anaerobicbacteria on the pudendum, particularly those interacting with or feedingon nitrogen compounds in body fluids such as semen, blood, urine, andfeces.

It is believed that a particularly significant discovery is therecognition that the source of a fishy odor for many women is notbacteria in the vagina, nor bacteria coming from the vagina, butanaerobic bacteria from non-vaginal sources such as the gastrointestinaltract. An understanding of this discovery can be enhanced in part byconsideration of a rare metabolic disorder, trimethylaminuria, adisorder occurring when humans have an impaired version of the enzymeflavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), which converts trimethylamineto trimethylamine N-oxide during the metabolism of somenitrogen-containing compounds such as choline or phosphocholine. Withimpaired FMO3 activity, trimethylamine concentrations become elevatedand strong fishy odor can be generated by the sweat and other bodyfluids of a person, making life difficult and painful. Foods rich incholine are especially problematic for those with trimethylaminuria,since it leads to production of large amounts of trimethylamine. Withoutwishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the release oftrimethyl amine and possibly other nitrogenous compounds produced byanaerobic bacteria at elevated pH on the pudendum of the human body isanalogous to the production of trimethylamine in the body when oxidizingenzymes are impaired in those suffering from trimethylaminuria. Again,without wishing to be bound by theory, recognition of this analogouscondition in light of the newly recognized mechanisms for fishy odorgeneration on the skin of the pudendum also suggests that semen may bean especially important component in the production of fishy odor insome cases, for semen, of all body fluids, may be the richest in cholineand is among the richest natural sources of choline and water-solublecholine compounds, and thus is believed to be a highly significantpotential source for trimethylamine production by certain anaerobicbacteria on the pudendum.

Thus, we have discovered that the introduction of semen, blood, urine,feces, and other body fluids into the pudendum, including the perineumand adjacent regions, can raise the pH on the skin and provide thenitrogenous materials and alkaline conditions for bacterial-assistedproduction of significant amounts of volatile amine compounds such astrimethylamine, giving rise to a fishy odor. While the reactionsinvolved may be similar to those that occur from bacterial vaginosis,fishy odor can be produced on the pudendum under benign conditions. Inother words, the vagina is not the key factor when trying to solve theproblem of transient fishy odor for most women.

For effective prevention of the fishy odor from the amine reaction,wiping or washing alone is inadequate. The pH of the environment of theperianal bacteria needs to be maintained in an acidic state such as at apH less than about 5.5, or less than about 5.3, or less than about 5.1,in order to hinder the amine reaction that causes the unwanted fishyodor. 3.5 to 4.2 is the normal range of the pH of the vagina, and a pHin this range can be suitable for the pH of the pudendum. Thus, asuitable range for pH may be, by way of example, from about 3 to about5.5, from about 3.2 to about 5, from about 3.5 to 4.5, or from about 3.5to 5.0. Without wishing to be bound by theory, our work indicates thatthe release of the fishy odor can be triggered by an amine reaction thatoccurs when the anaerobic bacteria of the pudendum come into contactwith alkaline bodily fluids such as semen, blood, feces, and otheragents such as soap, in essence, giving a positive Whiff test on theexternal genitalia. Possible insight into related mechanisms may befound, again without wishing to be bound by theory, in the study of Y.Tsuchiya and E. Endo, “Enzymatic Reduction of Trimethylamine Oxide,”Tohoku Journal of Agricultural Research, 1952, pp. 127-133, availableonline athttp://ir.library.tohoku.ac.jp/re/bitstream/10097/29074/1/KJ00000713720.pdf,which describes how a bacterial enzyme, triamineoxidase, activatesrelatively odorless trimethylamine oxide and renders it susceptible toreduction to the highly malodorous trimethyl amine by variousdehydrogenases. Several potential inhibitors of the reaction areexplored. On page 130 of Tsuchiya and Endo, results for the reactionrate for trimethylamine production as a function of pH shows that a pHabove 5.5 such as from about 6 to 8 favors high levels oftrimethylamine, whereas a pH of 5.5 or less, or 5.0 or less, favors lowlevels of trimethylamine.

An understanding of the importance of maintaining a low pH in theexternal environment of the pudendum relative to the issue ofcontrolling fishy odor appears to be lacking in prior attempts to dealwith fishy odor. For example, some commonly used products employ bakingsoda, an alkaline compound, and a recognition of the role of theenvironment external to the vagina and its pH appears to have beenlacking in terms of controlling fishy odor.

The compositions and methods proposed herein for controlling fishy odorarise in part from the surprising realization that the real problem inmost cases is not bacteria in the vagina, but conditions arising from ananatomically inevitable consequence of intercourse, due to semen formintercourse, leaking urine, and blood from monthly cycles coming incontact with the perianal bacteria that can inhabit various parts of thepudendum. The close physical proximity of the vulvar and perianalregions contributes to the presence of bacteria that can produce orparticipate in reactions leading to generation of trimethylamine orrelated fishy odor compounds, feeding upon the nitrogenous compoundscoming from intercourse, urine, menstruation, feces, etc.

With a realization of the nature of the origin of fishy odors due toelevated pH and associated conditions in the pudendum, we were able tosubsequently develop what is believed to be the first product thataddresses the real problem (for many women) over a prolonged period oftime.

Vinegar wipes, douches, and other acidic products have been proposed forpersonal cleansing, but such products have generally been developed forrapid cleansing and not for lasting control of pH. Thus, even highlyacidic vinegar wipes only provide a short-term change in pH, as theacidic components is applied and then wiped or washed off or otherwiseneutralized or quickly removed from the skin. With the viscous carrierof many embodiments disclosed herein, acidifying components can beavailable for a prolonged period of time to effectively control the pHof the environment. Further, with larger molecular weight alpha-hydroxyacids disclosed herein (for many embodiments) that do not rapidlypenetrate the skin, the alpha-hydroxy acids can remain on or above theskin to effectively maintain the pH in a suitable range for a prolongedperiod of time, unlike much lighter acids.

Thus, there is a need for new products and methods that can address thesurprising discoveries regarding the sources of fishy odor in manywomen, and that can overcome the long-standing unmet needs that have notbeen adequately addressed by previous products, formulations, andmethods.

Many retail and prescription products have been marketed are directed attreating bacteria in the vagina, which again do not address the issue ofthe external environment in the pudendum. Most on the retail side are acover-up with baking soda and perfumes or other ingredients that do notaddress the problem or may even exacerbate it at the true source (albeitthe previously unrecognized source).

The recognition that the source of the fishy odor is frequently from thepudendum and not from the vagina helps explain, in retrospect, whytreatments based on attacking bacteria on the vagina have beenrelatively ineffective for so many women for so long, and may also helpexplain why misdiagnosis of vaginosis is such a common problem (see“Throwing the Dice for the Diagnosis of Vaginal Complaints?” by AndreasSchwiertz et al., Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials,Vol. 5. No. 4, 2006, available online athttp://www.ann-clinmicrob.com/content/5/1/4). The new understanding ofthe need to provide long-term control of pH on the skin of the pudendumalso helps explain, in retrospect, why previous solutions employingwipes and other means did not provide lasting or effective solutions.What is needed, then, is an effective system or method for providing asuitable acidic pH over a prolonged period of time in the pudendum orportions thereof such that the amine reactions giving rise to a fishyodor can be impeded, resulting in a significant decrease in theproduction of unpleasant odors.

In spite of the surprising discovery that a major source for fishy odorwas not from the vagina itself but from the external skin of thepudendum, particularly when the pH was elevated by the presence ofsemen, blood, or other materials or factors, we found that variousefforts to decrease pH were not necessarily adequate to provide anacceptable solution, for, among other reasons, there is a risk of skinirritation or other unwanted responses with prolonged exposure to manyacidic compounds. For effective treatment of the newly appreciatedcauses of unwanted fish odor for many women, we have also discoveredthat a lasting reduction in fishy odor and associated problems of theinevitable chronic presence of anaerobic bacteria in the pudendumrequire new strategies to provide sustained pH control in ways that donot irritate the skin. Thus, there is a long-standing need to providesustained pH control in non-irritating means to reduce the commonproblem of fishy odor production from the pudendum.

SUMMARY

We have found that relatively non-irritating alpha-hydroxy acids such asmandelic acid or combinations of mandelic acid and other alpha-hydroxyacids such as lactic acid, in combination with a suitable carrier suchas a protective lipophilic carrier, a bioadhesive, or a suitable wipeformulation, can provide acidifying agents that are effective incontrolling the pH in the pudendum while not irritating the skin. Byvirtue of the acidic environment provided by such compositions, thereactions that produce fishy odor on the pudendum can be controlled suchthat the odor is substantially reduced or eliminated. In manyembodiments, the acidifying agents can remain active in the pudendumover a prolonged period for lasting odor reduction. Such compositionsmay be applied to the body in a variety of ways, such as by applicationusing a pretreated wipe, pad, or absorbent article containing theacidifying composition that transfers to the body, or by directapplication to the body using a spray or other dispenser or byapplication using the fingers or other means to apply the compositiononto the pudendum.

As used herein, “pudendum” refers to the external genitalia andsurrounding regions of the body, including the interlabial folds, theclitoral region, the perineum, the perianal region, the vulvar andperivulvar regions, and the intergluteal folds.

As used in the description, and in the claims, the term “alpha-hydroxyacid” refers to compounds represented by the following genericstructure:

(R1)(R2))C(OH)COOH

where R1 and R2 are H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl groups. In addition, R1and R2 may carry OH, CHO, COOH and alkoxy groups. Typical alkyl, aralkyland aryl groups for R1 and R2 include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,butyl, pentyl, octyl, lauryl, stearyl, benzyl and phenyl etc. Thealpha-hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, lactic acid,mandelic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid,2-hydroxydecanoic acid, and citric acid. In some embodiments, thealpha-hydroxy acid has 13 or fewer carbons, 12 or fewer carbons, 11 orfewer carbons, 10 or fewer carbons, 9 or fewer carbons, or 8 or fewercarbons, such as between 2 and 14 carbons, between 2 and 11 carbons,between 3 and 11 carbons, between 3 and 13 carbons, between 7 and 12carbons, or between 8 and 12 carbons. In one embodiment, thealpha-hydroxy acids comprise a mixture of 3-carbon and 8-carbonalpha-hydroxy acids.

To provide an effective quantity of a suitable alpha-hydroxy acid in theenvironment on the pudendum, a viscous carrier substantially moreviscous than water can be effective in retaining the material. As usedherein, a material such as a liquid is said to be “viscous” when it hasa viscosity of from about 6 mPa·s (millipascal-seconds) to about 300,000mPa·s when measured at 25° C., more specifically from 15 mPa·s to150,000 mPa·s, and more specifically still from 50 mPa·s to 150,000mPa·s. Viscosity herein is measured on neat composition using aBrookfield RVT, T-C Spindle at 5 rpms and Heliopath Stand, as describedin US Pat. Application 20060002876, “Personal Care Compositions withImproved Hyposensitivity,” published Jan. 5, 2006 by C. M. Cahen, hereinincorporated by reference to the extent that it is noncontradictoryherewith. In general, a viscous compositions has a viscosity that issubstantially greater than that of water, and typically providesimproved application characteristics when compared with products havinga viscosity similar to that of water when applied directly by the userusing manual (i.e. hand) application.

A lipophilic viscous carrier such as a cream can further protect theskin and reduce risks of irritation from the alpha-hydroxy acid. One ormore suitable alpha-hydroxy acids in combination with a viscouslipophilic carrier can be applied to the pudendum using the fingers orvia a wipe or pad, or can be transferred from another article such asthe pretreated surface of an absorbent feminine pad such as apantiliner. In typical embodiments, the composition is only applied tothe pudendum or other external skin and is not applied to the vagina.Indeed, indicia or other information associated with compositions withinthe scope of the present invention may direct the user to not apply thecomposition within the vagina, and may further indicate that theformulation is intended for application only to the pudendum ifprevention or reduction of fishy odor is desired, or for improved healthof the pudendal region.

Thus, in one aspect, a product is disclosed for application to thepudendum of a user to reduce fishy odor, the product comprising about0.5 weight percent or greater mandelic acid in a viscous lipophiliccarrier, the product being physically associated with indicia specifyingthat the product should be applied to the pudendum. As used herein,“physically associated with” refers to indicia on an item physicallyproximate to the product to enable a user to obtain the information ordirections given by the indicia, and more specifically refers to indiciasuch as printed instructions located on a container that contains theproducts or on a label or other printed surface connected to a containerof the product or its associated packaging. Examples can includeinstructions disposed on or near a dispenser of the product, a printedcard intended to be distributed with the product and provided near orattached to the packaging, or a label on a tube or tub that contains theproduct. Indicia need not be physically printed with ink but may bedisplayed in other ways, including electronic display on electronicpaper or other display means physically associated with the product.

Compositions within the scope of the present invention may be providedin the form of pre-treated wipes, including wet wipes or wipespretreated with a viscous lotion, or may be applied to a wipe shortlybefore contacting the wipe to the pudendum or any part thereof. In oneembodiment, for example, a cream comprising one or more suitablealpha-hydroxy acids is applied to a wipe, including a dry wipe or a wetwipe, prior to use. The wipe may be packaged with the cream already incontact therewith, or may be packaged with or marketed in associationwith a quantity of the cream that can be manually applied to the wipeprior to contacting the wipe with the pudendum, such that the cream istransferred to the pudendum. As used herein, a “cream” is generally anemulsion having a kinematic viscosity of greater than 500 centistokes,typically in the range of 10,000-50,000 centistokes.

The carrier need not be lipophilic and may, for example, comprise anaqueous gel or other aqueous bioadhesive comprise a hydrated polymer.Alternatively, a substantially aqueous, low-viscosity carrier may beused similar to traditional water-based wet wipe formulations, butcomprising a suitable alpha-hydroxy acid. For the alpha-hydroxy acid toremain effective on the pudendum for a prolonged period of time afterapplication with a wet wipe-style product, additional measures may betaken such as encapsulation of at least a portion of a quantity of analpha-hydroxy acid for sustained release thereof, or providing ofdelivery means for sustained contact of a low-pH solution with a portionof the pudendum.

In some versions, the with one or more suitable alpha-hydroxy acids isprovided in a container or with a kit that contains or is physicallyassociated with indicia instructing the user that the composition is tobe applied to the pudendum. The indicia may indicate that thecomposition should only be applied to pudendum or more generally that itis intended for use on the pudendum or should be applied on thepudendum. The indicia may further specify suggested methods for repeatapplication, including time intervals or conditions which would requiremore frequent application. In some versions, the indicia indicate thatthe product can help control fishy odor arising from the pudendum, andmay indicate the benefit can be obtained by maintaining a suitable pHrange in the environment on the pudendum.

In one aspect, a composition is disclosed which comprises a viscouslipophilic carrier and at least 1% by weight of an alpha-hydroxy acidhaving a molecular weight of at least 125 or at least 140 (the molecularweight of mandelic acid is about 152), or having at least 1% by weightof mandelic acid or a derivative thereof. In some versions, thealpha-hydroxy acid may have a solubility in water of at least 1 gram per10 ml of water (mandelic acid has a solubility of 1 gram in 6.3 ml ofwater) at 25° C., and/or may have an acidity expressed as pKa of atleast about 2.0 or at least about 3.0 (larger numbers indicate weakeracids; mandelic acid has a reported pKa of 3.37 and lactic acid has areported pKa of 3.86). The composition may be provided in a containerprovided with indicia instructing users to apply the composition to theexternal skin of the pudendum, and may further specify that so doingwill help reduce undesirable odor or the bacteria that cause such odor,and may further indicate that odor control can thereby be provided overa prolonged period of time.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed for reducing undesirable odorsarising from the pudendum of a user, the method comprising: a) providinga composition comprising at least 0.5% by weight of mandelic acid or aderivative thereof disposed in a viscous substantially lipophiliccarrier, and b) instructing a user to apply the composition to theuser's pudendum.

The method may further comprise making a claim that the composition iseffective in reducing fishy odor, and may also include furtherinstructing the user to repeat application of the composition to thepudendum after a prolonged period of time has occurred and/or afterexposure to conditions likely to elevate the pH of the environment ofthe pudendum, such as intercourse, contract with blood or feces, orbathing with soap.

In one aspect, a wipe product is disclosed for reducing the productionof unwanted odor from the pudendum, the product comprising an openableenclosure containing at least one wipe pretreated with an acidifyingcomposition, the acidifying composition comprising at least about 0.5%by weight of a first alpha-hydroxy acid comprising at least 7 carbons,having a molecular weight in the range of about 135 to about 400, andhaving no more than one carboxylic acid group for every 7 carbons, theacidifying composition having a pH of from about 3.5 to about 4.5 andfurther comprising at least 50% by weight of a viscous lipophiliccarrier, wherein upon wiping the pudendum with one of the at least onewipes, the acidifying composition is adapted to transfer in part to thepudendum and have a substantial portion thereof remain in contact withthe pudendum for a prolonged period of time after wiping, therebyeffectively lowering the pH on the treated portion of the pudendum for aprolonged period of time. The acidifying composition may comprisemandelic acid or its derivatives, and in related embodiments mandelicacid in an effective amount is present in combination with one moreadditional alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, in a substantiallylipophilic carrier having rheological properties of a bioadhesive orotherwise have sufficient non-Newtonian properties (e.g, a relativelyhigh yield stress) such that it does not readily flow off the body underthe influence of gravity after application to the body. Otheralpha-hydroxy acids that may be considered in various embodiments.

As used herein, a material with a relatively high yield stress may besaid to “not substantially flow in response to gravitational force” or“not readily flow off a surface under the influence of gravity” if, whenapplied uniformly to a vertical surface such as a vertical sheet ofclean sodium glass with the applied layer having a thickness of 2millimeters over a 2 cm×2 cm area defining a square with top and bottomsides parallel to the horizontal plane, the effect of gravity inredistributing the applied material is relatively minor such that after30 seconds of exposure to gravity, the upper half of the square (a 2cm×1 cm region of the coated area) still has at least 30% of theoriginally applied mass (with no flow at all, it would have 50% of theoriginally applied mass). The test should be done at 23° C.

In some embodiments, a first alpha-hydroxy acid such as mandelic acidand optionally a second alpha-hydroxy acid composition, such as lacticacid or other acids, is combined to provide a long-lasting acidifyingcomposition that can control the pH of the pudendum after applicationfor a prolonged period of time such as at least about 10 minutes, 30minutes, 60 minutes, 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours. Indeed, in someembodiments, it has been found that a single treatment with compositionsdescribed herein can provide effective control in preventing fishy odorfor periods of 24 hours or longer.

In some embodiments, the carrier can be a lipophilic carrier such as acream comprising an oil/water emulsion and having a finite yield stressto allow substantial quantities to remain in contact with the body afterapplication over a prolonged period of time. Yield stress may bemeasured using a static vane-based test method with the Brookfield YR-1of Brookfield Engineering Laboratories (Boston, Mass.). The yield stressat 25° C. may be, for example about 2 kPa s or less, or about 1 kP s orless, or about 0.2 kPa s or less. Other techniques for providingsustained presence of acids may be considered in various embodiments,including the use of time-release encapsulation technology or barriersthat release the actives when triggered by moisture, pH, activity, orother conditions.

The carrier can be made from a variety of known agents. It may comprisea viscous, lipophilic base that is substantially water free or is amixture of lipophilic components and an aqueous solution such as anemulsion. The carrier may also be a hydrophilic base such as a gel,including bioadhesive gels, or a solution such as the wetting solutionof a wet wipe. The carrier may also be a foam or other forms discussedherein.

In one version, a composition for preventing fishy odor is deliveredusing a wipe. The wipe may be provided with the composition alreadypresent, such as a wet wipe or impregnated wipe holding the viscouscarrier and active ingredients. Alternatively, the composition may beprovided separately for the user to apply using a wipe or othersubstrate such as a tissue. In one version, a single-use pouch or kitcomprises a wipe and a separate dose of the composition that can bereleased on to the wipe prior to application.

Composition according to selected embodiments of the present inventionmay have a pH (as measured, for example, with pH test trips at 22° C.)of about 3.0 to about 5.0, or from about 3.2 to about 4.5, or from about3.3 to 4.2, such as from about 3.5 to about 4.2.

Compositions according to selected embodiments of the present inventioncan be provided in a wide variety of forms, such as gels, creams, foams,impregnated pads or strips, and the like, many of which can be suitablefor prolonged contact against the human body. Prolonged contact can beachieved direct application of the active ingredients onto the skin byany known means, including the use of bioadherents, or by mechanicalmeans in which an article comprising a composition of the presentinvention is held in place against the body by, for example, contactwith underwear or other clothing.

Some forms of useful products are intended for brief contact with thehuman body, such as wet wipes or treated pads that may make briefcontact with the skin of the pudendum to deliver active ingredients,though in such products, the active ingredients may be provided in acomposition that remains on the skin to provide protection over aprolonged period of time. Compositions of selected embodiments of thepresent invention may also be provided in forms intended for directapplication to the human body such as rinses, washes, sprays, and thelike.

For embodiments in which a formulation is applied using a wipe, the wipecan serve not only to deliver the active ingredients to lower the pH onthe body over a prolonged time but also to mechanically remove debris.Methods of use could include daily treatment such as after bathing toclean and acidify the pudendum. The treatment could include use of aprepackage, pretreated wipe or of an ordinary wipe that is wetted orcoated with a formulation as described herein.

In other embodiments, at least one active ingredient may be insubstantially dry or solid form, such as a powder attached to ordisposed within a pad. When wetted by water or aqueous fluids prior to,during, or after application of the active ingredient to the body, theactive ingredient may at least partially dissolve to more effectivelycontrol the acidity of the environment (e.g., that of material on theskin of the pudendum) or to deliver other benefits.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed for reducing or preventingmalodor from the pudendum, comprising: (a) providing a user with aproduct comprising an acidifying composition having at least about 0.5%by weight of mandelic acid, said acidifying composition having a pHbetween about 3.2 and 4.5, and (b) providing directions to the user toapply the acidifying composition to the pudendum. The acidifyingcomposition may further comprise at least about 1% by weight of a secondcarboxylic acid component such as lactic acid. In some embodiments ofthe method, the acidifying composition may have a non-zero yield stressand the directions for use are adapted to cause the acidifyingcomposition to effectively remain in contact with the human body for aperiod of at least 10 minutes after applying the acidifying compositionto the pudendum according to the directions. The acidifying compositionmay have a lipophilic carrier or be in the form of an aqueous solutionor may comprise an aqueous solution, and may be substantiallyhydrophilic. The product and the directions may be adapted such that thecomposition, when applied according to the directions, will beeffectively kept in contact with the pudendum for a period of at least60 minutes, and wherein the pH on the skin in contact with thecomposition is between about 3.5 and 4.5 during a majority of the atleast 60 minutes. Skin pH can be measured with dry pH electrodes, as isknown in the art. See, for example, B. Eberlein-Konig et al., Acta DermVenereol. 2000, vol. 80, pp. 188-191, available online athttp://adv.medicaljournals.se/files/pdf/80/3/188-191.pdf.

The method may further comprise (c) providing one or more wipes for usewith the product, and the step of providing directions to the user maythen include providing directions to transfer the product from at leastone of the one or more wipes to the pudendum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show views of a wipe originally sealed in a pouch,the wipe comprising a formulation for reducing malodor.

FIG. 2 shows one version of a container holding multiple individuallysealed wipes for reducing malodor.

FIG. 3 shows a telescopic view of a tub for wipes and further comprisinga container of a cream for application to the wipes, the creamcomprising a formulation for reducing malodor.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a wipe with discrete zones comprising anactive ingredient for reducing malodor.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show experimental TMA versus time profiles for liquidsamples containing bacteria and choline with and without a quantity ofadded material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show experimental TMA versus time profiles for liquidsamples containing bacteria and choline with and without a quantity ofadded material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show experimental TMA versus time profiles for liquidsamples containing bacteria and choline with and without a quantity ofadded material according to an embodiment of the present invention,further showing the effect of different concentrations of the addedmaterial.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an individual use product 20 containing a folded wetwipe 24 sealed within a sealed pouch 22, the wipe 24 comprising aformulation (not shown) for reducing malodor in the pudendum. The pouch22 may be made of a film or foil wrap or any other suitable flexiblematerials, and generally comprises a front side 26, a back side 28, atop end 32, and a bottom end 34, the top end 32 comprising a tear line30 which may be perforated, for example, and a tear-away portion 36which is removed by tearing along the tear line 30 to open the pouch 22.Of course, many alternative means may be used to provide for opening thepouch 22, including resealable flaps (not shown), tear lines along anyregion of the pouch 22, slidable or resealable closures (not shown) suchas those commonly used in sandwich bags, and the like. In relatedembodiments not shown here, multiple wipes may be disposed in a pouch22.

FIG. 1B depicts the pouch 22 of FIG. 1A after the tear-away portion 36thereof has been removed, opening the pouch 36. As depicted, the wipe 24has been partially removed from the pouch 22. The wipe 24 is a foldedwipe with a Z-style fold, though any suitable folded configuration maybe used.

FIG. 1C shows the wipe 24 of FIG. 1B having been fully removed from thepouch 22 and substantially unfolded. The depicted wipe 24 is generallyrectangular in shape, but any suitable shape may be used such as oval,elliptical, triangular, irregular shapes, and so forth (not shown). Thewipe 24 may have any suitable unfolded width and length. For example,the wet wipe may have an unfolded length of from about 2.0 to about 80.0centimeters or from about 10.0 to about 25.0 centimeters and an unfoldedwidth of from about 2.0 to about 80.0 centimeters or from about 10.0 toabout 25.0 centimeters. FIG. 2 shows one version of a container 40holding multiple individually wrapped products 20 such as those of FIG.1A, each having a sealed pouch 22 comprising wet wipes (not shown) forreducing malodor, further comprising a top end 32, a tear line 30, and atear-away portion 36. The container 40 may be made of paperboard,plastic, foil, foam, or combinations thereof, and generally comprises aresilient rear panel 42 and a pocket element 44 defining a pocket 46. Abottom element 48 closed the bottom of the pocket 46. The pocket 46 canreceive a plurality of the individually wrapped products 20. An optionalclosure element (not shown) may be attached to the rear panel 42 or thepocket element 44 that can be folded or pivoted over the exposedproducts 20 to close the container 40.

The wipe 24 may comprise a basesheet with total (dry) basis weight offrom about 25 to about 120 grams per square meter and or from about 40to about 90 grams per square meter. The basesheet may comprise amultilayer structure with, for example, laminated, bonded, or adjacentlayers differing in fibers (e.g., coform with polyethylene versus coformwith polypropylene or differing in the cellulosic fibers used), fibertreatments, adhesives, etc. Coform may be used for one or more layers orcomponents, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,324 to Anderson et al.which issued Jul. 11, 1978; U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,313 to McFarland et al.which issued Aug. 5, 1986; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,624 which issued Sep.27, 1994; which are herein incorporated by reference to the extent theyare consistent herewith.

FIG. 3 shows a telescopic view of a portion of a wipes container 50showing a lower body 56 adapted to contain a stack of wipes 24 and acream dispenser 52 depicted here as a simple well 54 holding a quantityof cream 56 comprising a composition effective in controlling malodor onthe pudendum. The well 54 may comprise a resilient material such as apolyolefin plastic or may have flexible walls. The well 54 may beseparable from the lower body 56 of the wipes container 50 or may beunitary therewith, such as a well 54 formed with the lower body 56 fromplastic injection molding (not shown). The cream dispenser 52, in otherembodiments, may be replaced with other known dispensers offormulations, including flexible pouches (not shown) that can release acream by squeezing, or dispensers with mechanical means for dispensingsuch as pumps (not shown).

The lower body 56 has a floor 62 and side walls 60. The lower body 56receives the stack of wipes 24 as shown along the telescoping axis 64A,and also receives the cream dispenser 52 along the parallel telescopingaxis 64B.

A covering for the container 50 is not shown, but any known covering maybe used such as a removable lid or a hinged lid connected to or integralwith the lower body 56. In use, the covering (not shown) may be openedto allow a user to remove a wipe 24, apply a quantity of the cream 56 tothe wipe 24, and then apply the wipe to the body.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a wipe 24 with multiple discrete zones 70comprising an active ingredient for reducing malodor. The wipe 24 itselfmay be a nonwoven web or other flexible porous substrate, and may be awet wipe impregnated with an aqueous solution or may be a dry wipe. Thediscrete zones 70 in this embodiment are shown as circles, but they maybe in any shape, size, or arrangement, such as parallel bands, irregularpatches, rectangles, lines and dashes, triangular regions, andcombinations thereof. The discrete zones 70 may comprise a cream,ointment, lotion, or semi-solid material comprising a composition forreducing malodor according to various embodiments described herein, Thecomposition may comprise an acidifying agent and may, for example,comprise mandelic acid in a viscous lipophilic carrier and may have a pHfrom about 2.8 to about 5 or more specifically from about 3.2 to about4.5, and more specifically still from 3.2 to 4.5. The discrete zones 70may be substantially topical relative to the wipe 24, such that amajority of the mass in the discrete zones 70 is deposited above theupper surface of the substrate of the wipe 24 (e.g., elevated regions).Alternatively, the discrete zones 70 may be defined by matter that issubstantially impregnated into the wipe 24, or may comprise bothelevated regions and impregnated regions. The wipe 24 may be textured(not shown), with treated discrete zones 70 corresponding totopographical features on the wipe such as elevated structures ordepressed regions (not shown).

FIGS. 5A and 5B, 6A and 6B, and 7A and 7B show experimental resultsregarding the suppression of TMA production by bacteria in the presenceof choline as a function of time and as a function of the presence of amaterial according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thesefigures are described in more detail in the discussion of Example 6hereafter, but do show that a formulation according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is effective in reducing TMA production bybacterial that are frequently found on human skin.

FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The acidifying components of the formulation generally include a firstalpha-hydroxy acid such as mandelic acid (also known as phenylglycolicacid) and optionally a second alpha-hydroxy acid composition such aslactic acid and/or other carboxylic acids, including acids such ascitric, glycolic, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, tartaric acid; gluconic acid orother isomers of pentahydroxyhexanoic acid; hydroxycaprylic acid, leucicacid (2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid), ethylglycolic acid, malic acid,and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,171, “Amphoteric Compositions andPolymeric Forms of Alpha Hydroxyacids, and Their Therapeutic Use,”issued February, 1992 to Yu et al., describes alpha hydroxyl acids thatcan be considered for use with various embodiments of the presentinvention. The first alpha-hydroxy acid may have at least 7 or at least8 carbons for each carboxylic acid group and may have a molecular weightfrom about 135 to about 400, more specifically from about 135 to about250, from about 135 to about 200, or from 145 to 170. The firstalpha-hydroxy acid may be monoprotic (a monocarboxylic acid) or, in someversions, diprotic (a dicarboxylic acid), though larger numbers ofcarboxylic acid groups may be considered. In other versions, the firstalpha-hydroxy acid or both the first and second alpha-hydroxy acid mayhave a molecular weight of 90 or greater, 100 or greater, 120 orgreater, 150 or greater, or 160 or greater. The first alpha-hydroxy acidalso may have at least one aromatic ring such as a phenyl group.(Mandelic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxyl acid with an aromaticring.) Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that thefirst alpha-hydroxy acid as described is large enough to not rapidlypenetrate into the stratum corneum of the skin, allowing it to remainpresent and active on the surface of the skin for a prolonged period oftime, while it is also small enough to be biologically active to modifythe bacterial environment on the skin and/or to maintain an acidiccondition on the surface of the skin. The relatively high molecularweight and larger number of carbons per acid group in such acids mayalso reduce the potential for irritation to the skin.

In some embodiments, other alpha-hydroxy acids comprising aromatic ringsmay be used, including derivatives of mandelic acid such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,224, “Method for Producing OpticallyActive Mandelic Acid Derivatives,” issued Aug. 17, 2004 to Mitsuhashi etal., or the dimmers and other derivatives described in U.S. Pat. No.5,932,619, “Method for Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases,” issuedAug. 3, 1999 to Zaneveld et al., both of which are herein incorporatedby reference to the extent that it is noncontradictory herewith.

The second alpha-hydroxy acid composition may, in some embodiments, helpimprove the efficacy of the first alpha-hydroxy acid while alsocontributing to desired acidity on the skin and optionally may also havean antimicrobial effect relative to unwanted bacteria that otherwisecould contribute to an undesired fishy odor. The second alpha-hydroxyacid composition may comprise alpha-hydroxy acids having, individuallyor averaged, a molecular weight of about 170 or less, such as from 75 to135, from 75 to 125, or from 80 to 85, or from 86 to 92.

The alpha-hydroxy acids in total may be present in any suitableconcentration, such as 30% by weight or less, 20% by weight or less, or10% by weight or less, and more specifically from about 0.3% to 10%(percentages in reference to chemical compositions herein will beunderstood to be weight percent unless otherwise indicated), from about0.5% to about 6%, from about 1% to about 15%, or from about 0.5% toabout 3.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 2.5%.

In one version, the second alpha-hydroxy acid composition comprises atleast about 30%, at least about 50%, at least about 70% or at leastabout 93% lactic acid by weight (i.e., weight %) of lactic acid, such asfrom about 30% to about 90%, or from about 50% to about 95%; or fromabout 50% to about 95% lactic acid by weight. In one version, the secondalpha-hydroxy acid is substantially all lactic acid.

Examples of formulations can include lotions, creams, gels, wipesolutions, sprays, powders, etc., with the following acidifyingcompositions, expressed as weight percents: 1.5% lactic acid and 0.5%mandelic acid; 2.5% lactic acid and 1′)/0 mandelic acid; 25% lactic acidand 2% mandelic acid; 10% lactic acid and 10% mandelic acid; 5% lacticacid and 4% mandelic acid; etc.

The alpha-hydroxy acids may, at least in part, be provided intime-release systems that gradually release the alpha-hydroxy acid to beeffective in controlling the pH of the pudendum. Time-release technologycan include microencapsulation and other systems known in the art.Time-release or other controlled release means are well known in theart. Some versions, by way of example, are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,756,136, “Controlled Release Encapsulation Compositions,” issued May26, 1998 to Black et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,397, “ControlledRelease Encapsulated Bioactive Substances,” issued Dec. 28, 2004 to Leeet al.; both of which are herein incorporated by reference to the extentthat they are noncontradictory herewith.

In many embodiments, the formulations and methods disclosed herein avoidthe problems of stinging or other forms of irritation that are known insome prior products. Sting-free formulations, for example, may besubstantially free of ethanol, propanol, or other agents that may stingdelicate tissues in the pudendal region.

While the products and methods described herein are particular suitedfor controlling unwanted fishy odor from the pudendum of adult orteenaged females, they may also be adapted for males in general, such asadult males. They may also be adapted for children in general, such asinfants and toddlers.

Absorbent Articles

A wide variety of absorbent articles may be used to deliver formulationsor assist in modifying the conditions of the pudendum to inhibit odorformation and release. Absorbent articles can include feminine pads,interlabial devices, tampons, incontinence devices such as diapers andrelated articles, briefs, panties, and the like. Description ofexemplary products can be found in, by way of example only, thefollowing: U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,743, “Incontinence Diaper for Adults,”issued Apr. 10, 2007 to Rohrl; U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,751, “AbsorbentArticles Having Hinged Fasteners,” issued Sep. 24, 2002 to Olson; U.S.Pat. No. 5,830,206, “Pants-Type Diaper or Sanitary Panty,” issued Nov.3, 1998 to Larsson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,432, “Tape tab fasteners fordisposable absorbent articles,” issued Apr. 15, 1997 to Goulait et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,146, “Adult Incontinence Article with Body-ShapingElastics,” Sep. 16, 2003 to Gibbs; U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,646, “AbsorbentPants-Type Diaper,” issued Apr. 23, 2002 to Widlund et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 2,092,346, “Catamenial Pad,” issued to Arone on Sep. 7, 1937; U.S.Pat. No. 3,905,372, “Feminine Hygiene Protective Shield,” issued toDenkinger on Sep. 16, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 2,662,527, “Sanitary Pad,”issued to Jacks on Dec. 15, 1953; U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,062, “LabialSanitary Pad,” issued to Lassen et al. on Dec. 23, 1986; all of whichare herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith.

Disposable absorbent articles generally have a body facing intake layercomprising a porous web or film, an absorbent core, and an imperviousbacksheet, with other optional components as is known in the art. Insome versions, the intake layer is integral with the absorbent core oris not present as a distinct separate component. In some versions, thebacksheet is integral with the absorbent core or similar functionalityis provided by treating the absorbent core with, for example, ahydrophilic material on the outer surface.

The absorbent core can be made of any suitable liquid-absorbentmaterials such as comminuted wood pulp that is generally referred to asairfelt, as well as materials such as cotton; creped cellulose wadding;meltblown polymers including composites with wood fibers such as coform;chemically modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fiberssuch as bicomponent spunbond or crimped polyester fibers; peat moss;tissue materials including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbentfoams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gellingmaterials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, ormixtures of these. The absorbent materials may comprise folded tissues,woven materials, nonwoven webs, needle punched rayon, and thin layers offoam. Absorbent portions of the product may comprise a single materialor a combination of materials, such as a wrapping layer surrounding acentral wadding comprised of a different absorbent material.

The backsheet may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric filmssuch as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, orcomposite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. It may beflexible and adapted to fit into or attach to undergarments such aspanties. It may be provided with adhesive material and may have tabs forwrapping around the sides of undergarments. Other attachment means thatmay cooperate with or attach to the backsheet may be used such as hookand loop attachment or other mechanical attachment means, coadhesivematerials, snaps, belts, ligaments, and the like.

A suitable topsheet may be produced from materials such as woven ornonwoven webs comprising natural fibers (e.g., wood, cotton, or othercellulosic fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, rayon,polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of naturaland synthetic fibers. Other woven and nonwoven materials may includeapertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, andhydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams;reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims.

The topsheet may comprise an apertured formed film such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, “Absorptive Structures HavingTapered Capillaries”, issued to Thompson on Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No.4,324,246, “Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain ResistantTopsheet”, issued to Mullane et al. on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.4,342,314, “Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties”,issued to Radel et al. on Aug. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045,“Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web ExhibitingNon-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression”, issued toAhr et al. on Jul. 31, 1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394, “MultilayerPolymeric Film” issued to Baird on Apr. 9, 1991. The topsheet, forexample, may be similar or identical to the material employed by TheProcter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio known as the “DRI-WEAVE®”topsheet.

Methods of applying the acidifying compositions to the absorbentarticles include spraying, blade coating, contact coating, curtaincoating, application with metered rods, flexographic printing, gravureprinting, ink-jet printing, other digital printing techniques, and otherknown methods.

Lotioned topsheets and methods of manufacturing them are described in US20040064117, “Absorbent Article Having a Lotioned Topsheet,” publishedApr. 1, 2004 by Hammons et al., herein incorporated by reference to theextent that it is noncontradictory herewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,041, “Diaper Having a Lotioned Topsheet,” issuedSep. 12, 2000 to Roe et al., herein incorporated by reference to theextent that it is noncontradictory herewith, describes an absorbentarticle worn next to the skin of a user that can transfer a lotion onthe topsheet of the article to the skin of the wearer. In one version,the Roe patent describes an absorbent article with a topsheet having alotion coating which is semi-solid or solid at 20° C. and which ispartially transferable to the wearer's skin, the lotion coatingcomprising from about 10 to about 95% of a substantially water freeemollient having a plastic or fluid consistency at 20° C., wherein theemollient contains about 5% or less water and emollient comprising amember selected from the group consisting of petroleum-based emollients,fatty acid ester emollients, alkyl ethoxylate emollients, and mixturesthereof, further comprising from about 5 to about 90% of an agentcapable of immobilizing the emollient on said outer surface of thetopsheet, wherein the immobilizing agent has a melting point of at leastabout 35° C. and is miscible with the emollient.

The immobilizing agent may comprise a member selected from the groupconsisting of waxes, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, C14-C22 fattyalcohols, C12-C22 fatty acids, C12-C22 fatty alcohol ethoxylates havingan average degree of ethoxylation of about 2 to about 30, and mixturesthereof. The natural fats or oils of the oil-in-water emulsioncomposition may be selected from the group consisting of: avocado oil,apricot oil, babassu oil, borage oil, camellia oil, canola oil, castoroil, coconut oil, corn oil cottonseed oil, evening primrose oil,hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, maleatedsoybean oil, meadowfoam oil, palm kernel oil, phospholipids, rapeseedoil, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, stearyl alcohol, laurylalcohol, myristyl alcohol, benenyl alcohol, rose hip oil, sunflower oil,soybean oil, and mixtures thereof. The amount of said fats or oils usedin the composition may be from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent, andmore preferably from about 1 to about 5 percent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,760 to Roe, herein incorporated by reference to theextent that it is noncontradictory herewith, describes a lotion coatingon the outer surface of the non-woven top sheet of an absorbent article,such as diapers, pull-on products, adult incontinence devices, and thelike. A waterless lotion composition is reported to convey a desirabletherapeutic or protective coating benefit and to be effective inreducing the adherence of bowel movement to the skin. The lotion issolid or semi-solid at 20° C. with a preferred melting point of about45° C. In one version of a process for the application of the lotion toa substrate, the lotion composition is placed in a heated tank operatingat a suitable temperature such as about 63° C., then sprayed onto thesubstrate by a spray head operating at a warmer temperature such asabout 71° C. In some versions, the system of Roe can be adapted forapplication of formulations to prevent fishy odor described herein.

Absorbent articles capable of transferring a coated or impregnatedmaterial to the body of the wearer may be made according to theprinciples described in any of the following US patents: U.S. Pat. No.3,860,003 issued to Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274 issuedto Buell et al. on Jun. 22, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,344 entitled“Absorbent Articles with Multiple Layer Absorbent Layers” issued toReising, et al on Jan. 29, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,345 entitled“Absorbent Articles with Rapid Acquiring Absorbent Cores” issued toReising on Jan. 29, 1991. The topsheet may comprise carded and thermallybonded web made by means well known to those skilled in the fabrics art.In one version, a suitable topsheet comprises staple lengthpolypropylene fibers having a denier from about 1.8 to about 4. As usedherein, the term “staple length fibers”

refers to those fibers having a length of at least about 15.9 mm (0.625inches). The topsheet may, for example, have a basis weight from about14 to about 25 grams per square meter.

Absorbent articles with pressure-rupturable capsules may also beconsidered, including those of U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,998 issued to Hayfordet al. which describes a disposable baby diaper, an interior liner ofwhich carries an array of pressure-rupturable capsules containing babyoil. The patent teaches that it is desirable to break the capsules priorto using the diaper by applying pressure. The principle ofpressure-rupturable capsules is also used in U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,413issued to Goldfarb et al. for making bandages capable of delivering amedicinal material to an injury.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,807 to Buchalter describes an article impregnatedwith a solid oil phase of cream formulation which forms a cream uponaddition of moisture thereto. In related adaptations, the approach ofBuchalter could be used to provide a cream that becomes furtheractivated by body moisture.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan et al. teaches a baby diapercomprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet wherein a portion ofthe topsheet is coated with a discontinuous film of oleaginous material.

Wipes

Wipes, whether dry, wet, or in other states, can be made from anysuitable substrate that provide a flexible surface useful in applyingcompositions described herein. The wipe may be a porous, flexible wetwipe capable of retaining and applying a liquid solution, or may beflexible dry wipe that can apply a viscous formulation form its surfaceonto the pudendum. Suitable materials may include nonwoven or wovenfabrics, tissue paper, composite or multilayered materials, etc, Thewipe may be made from a conventional towelette or wet wipe material orother materials that have been proposed for wipes such as a nonwovenfabric including materials such as spunbond webs, meltblown webs,combinations of polymeric and natural fibers such as spunlace or coformwebs, needlepunched webs, hydroentangled or spunlace materials, bondedcarded webs, electrospun layers, composites or multilayer fabrics, woventextiles, apertured films, and the like. Polymeric materials used in theproduction of nonwoven webs, woven webs, and films may includepolypropylene, polyethylene, PET, nylons, and the like. Foam pads orlayers may be used, including open cell and closed cell foams, such aspolyurethane foams, regenerated cellulose foams, and the like.

Examples of materials that may be used in producing wipes as describedherein include those disclosed in any of the following, alone or incombination: U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,880, “Dispersible Nonwoven Fabric andMethod of Making Same,” issued Aug. 10, 1999 to Wang et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 6,315,864, “Cloth-Like Base Sheet and Method for Making the Same,”issued Nov. 13, 2001 to Anderson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,623,“Method of Producing an Extensible Paper Having a Three-DimensionalPattern and a Paper Produced by the Method,” issued Jul. 9, 2002 toHollmark et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,068, “Wipe Formulation,” May 19,2004, issued to Durden; U.S. Pat. No. 7,482,021, “Two-Sided Wipe forCleaning and Drying a Skin Surface,” issued Jan. 27, 2009 to Tison etal.; US 20020155281, “Pre-Moistened Wipe Product,” published Oct. 24,2002 by Lang et al. US; US 20040161991, “Non-Woven Wet Wiping,”published Aug. 19, 2004 by Walton et al.; US 20050045293, “Paper SheetHaving High Absorbent Capacity and Delayed Wet-Out,” published Mar. 3,2005 by Hermans et al.; all of which are herein incorporated byreference to the extent that they are noncontradictory herewith.

Wipes for use with the formulations described herein may also be made,used, or dispensed according to any of the following: U.S. Pat. No.5,292,581, “Wet Wipe,” issued Mar. 8, 1994 to Viazmensky et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,537,631, “Roll of Wet Wipes,” issued Mar. 25, 2003 toRivera et al., all of which are herein incorporated by reference to theextent that they are noncontradictory herewith.

Wipes may be provided from or in association with dispensers thatprovide a quantity of a formulation as described herein useful inpreventing or reducing odor from the pudendum. Such a dispenser caninclude a combination of wipe dispenser and spray applicator fordispensing active ingredients, as described, for example, in US20090057331, “Wipes Dispenser,” published Mar. 5, 2009 by Fryan et al.,herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith. Wipes be dispensed from containers such asplastic or metal tubs or cylinders, from flexible pouches such asresealable pouches, form cardboard or other cellulosic containers, andfrom other known devices for dispensing wipes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,737,“Baby Wipe/Rash Cream Dispenser,” issued Aug. 5, 2003 to Gartenberg,herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith, can also be adapted to dispense an effectivequantity of a viscous composition comprising acidifying agents for thereduction of fishy odor when applied to the pudendum, such that theviscous composition can be applied to a wipe from the dispenser toassist in application of the formulation to the pudendum. The wipes maybe wet or dry wipes, and may be pretreated with cleansing compositions,fragrance, and the like, which can be applied in addition to theacidifying composition as described herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,142, “Absorbent Wipe Dispensing Device,” issued Oct.26, 1999 to Jones, describes an absorbent wipe dispensing device fordispensing absorbent having a wall panel adapted for removablesecurement to a wall, which can be adapted for use with variousembodiments described herein. A container for holding a supply ofabsorbent wipes is slidably received within the device which has anopening through it to allow for passage of absorbent wipes.

In one embodiment, individually enclosed wipes are provided, similar toknown towelettes such as those discussed in WO/2003/051227, “FeminineWipe for Symptomatic Treatment of Vaginitis,” published Jun. 23, 2003 bySyed Rizvi, herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith. Such individual wipes may have dimensionssuch as 8×5.25 inch rectangles, or more generally, rectangles or othershapes with a first dimension and a second orthogonal dimensiongenerally aligned with the major axes of the shape (e.g., the length ofthe sides of a rectangle) ranging from about 4 cm to about 40 cm, orfrom about 9 cm to about 30 cm. The aspect ratio (e.g., the lengthdivided by the width, with the longer dimension being taken as thelength) may be about 1, or from about 1 to about 1.6, or from about 1 toabout 2.5, or about 1.1 or greater, or less than 3, by way of example.The wipe may be folded into smaller dimensions prior to use, and ma bepackaged or stored prior to consumer purchase with individual foldedwipe dimensions with first and second orthogonal dimensions ranging fromabout 2 cm to about 18 cm, or from about 4 cm to about 12 cm, or lessthan about 13 cm, with an aspect ratio of from about 1, or from about 1to about 1.6, or from about 1 to about 2.5, or about 1.1 or greater, orless than about 2. A pouch into which a folded wipe is placed may havesimilar but slightly greater dimensions than the wipe itself, with atleast one dimension of the pouch being larger than the correspondingdimension of the wipe contained therein by no more than about 5%, about10%, about 15%, or about 25% of the corresponding dimension of the wipe.The amount of fluid contained in the pouch may equal the amount of fluidthat a saturated or less-than-saturated wipe can hold and may be carriedcompletely by the wipe during manufacturing (i.e., no additional fluidis added to the pouch beyond what is carried by the wipe itself).Alternatively, the pouch may contain additional fluid that is placed inthe pouch in addition to what the wipe carries prior to contact with thepouch, or the wipe may be substantially dry prior to placement in thepouch and may then be combined with fluid prior to sealing of the pouch.

In yet another version, a substantially dry wipe may be placed in asealed pouch, after which liquid is injected or otherwise introducedinto the pouch via, for example, a one-way flow valve or other means,optionally followed by additional sealing to prevent leakage. The amountof fluid contained in the pouch may range, by way of example only, fromabout 1 ml to 50 ml, from about 2 ml to about 25 ml, or from about 5 mlto about 10 ml. Alternatively, the amount of liquid present in the pouchor contained in any wipe may have a mass equal to about 10% or more,about 30% or more, about 60% or more, about 80% or more, from about 30%to about 300%, from about 50% to about 200%, or from about 70% to about150%, of the mass of the dry wipe.

In one embodiment, the wipes are delivered in a flexible or rigidcontainer integral with a formulation dispenser for applying anodor-controlling low-pH formulation on the wipes or the pudendumdirectly. The formulation dispenser can be a tab or other closureelement on a pouch that contains a viscous composition that can besqueezed out through an opening onto a wipe or onto the fingers. In arelated embodiment, the opening of a tab to access the contents of acontainer of wipes may also open a seal for a quantity of a viscousformulation to be applied to the wipe.

Other Product Forms

A variety of other product forms can be considered. Single-use spongesin individual wraps can be used, for example, with instructions andindicia similar to those for wipe products. The sponge may bepolyurethane, regenerated cellulose, and other known sponge materials.The compositions described herein may be impregnated in the sponge orapplied shortly prior to use. One example of related materials that canbe adapted for use with the compositions described herein are thevaginal prep sponges marketed by McKesson. The sponges may be attachedto a wand that can be held by the hand to apply the sponge to thepudendum conveniently. The wand may be a plastic, paper, or woodenhandle. The wand and sponge may be wrapped in foil or plastic that isremoved prior to use. The dimensions of the sponge may be about 3 cm to8 cm by about 2 cm to 5 cm by about 1 cm to 3 cm. The sponge may have araised area for gripping in the center.

Sponges on a wand could be used for external use as well asinternal/vaginal use, particular if using a non shedding sponge materialsaturated with solution to cleanse the vagina after intercourse or atthe tail end of menses.

Saturated cotton swabs (i.e., cotton-tipped swabs) can also be used todeliver the compositions described here. The size of the swab may beabout 2×3 cm in size, for example, and may have a 2- to 8-mm diameterapplicator stick such as a 3-mm applicator stick. The swab may packagedin a foil pack with the swab preloaded with the composition. Swabs maybe used, for example, for convenient application to the interlabialfolds, and may be particularly useful for women that have deep folds.Cotton balls, textiles, foam pads, or other porous substrates may alsobe used, and may be impregnated with a composition effective forcontrolling malodor, as described herein, or may be provided with acontainer of a composition for controlling malodor, such that the poroussubstrate can receive an quantity of the composition and then transferit to the pudendal region.

Spray bottles may be used, for example, for application of thecompositions described herein for post intercourse or bowel movement andalso for postpartum treatments after childbirth. For example, anaccordion pleated plastic bottle could be provided with a tablet insidewith an effervescent composition that rapidly dissolves when water isadded. After adding water, the product could function like a bidet in abottle. Such a bottle could be collapsed when empty for conveniencestorage and reuse. The “bidet tablets” and bottles could be providedseparately (e.g., the tablets could be provided in a blister pack).

In another embodiment, the compositions describes herein could beprovided on a porous web such as a nonwoven web or paper web, includingsubstrates similar to those used for dryer sheets in clothing care. Thethin, weblike substrate pretreated with the active ingredients usefulfor controlling fishy odor may be dry initially but activated withmoisture, or may be provided in an emulsion or ointment that does notrequire significant moisture to become effective in controlling pH onthe pudendum. Such a sheet may be wrapped around, placed in, orotherwise attached to a feminine pad, underwear or other article that isplaced adjacent to the pudendum.

In one version, active ingredients described herein are applied totissue paper marketed as toilet paper, such as a toilet paper for femaleuse. In wiping, small quantities of pH controlling agents can be left onthe pudendum to assist on controlling the pH thereon and in preventingfishy odor or other malodors. In one related embodiment, “his and hers”rolls of toilet paper can be marketed in which the “hers” rolls arepretreated with a composition for delivering one or more alpha-hydroxyacids such as mandelic acid for use in controlling malodor arising fromthe pudendum.

Feminine pads or wipes can also be provided that can be held or placedin contact with the pudendum for a short period of time such as about 2hours or less, about 1 hour or less, about 30 minutes or less, or about10 minutes or less, such as about 10 minutes to 60 minutes or about 15minutes to about 45 minutes. Such pads or wipes may be adapted to fitinto the folds of the pudendum to deliver active ingredients for pHcontrol. A pretreated wipe may be placed on another pad or other articlefor improved contact.

Active ingredients in powder form may be delivered in a spray such as apropellant-delivered powder spray may be directed to spray an articlesuch as the crotch of underwear or the pudendum-contacting portion of anabsorbent article, or may be used to spray directly on the body.Propellant-free application using a manually operated pump may beconsidered, wherein air, for example, entrains particulates in the drypowder.

Tampons may also be considered. Such tampons may be provided with powderin the core of the tampon.

FURTHER EMBODIMENTS

Numerous known compounds may also be present in various formulationsthat are within the scope of the present invention. For example,botanical extracts may be present in effective or trace amounts. Suchextracts may include, for example, extracts from Yucca schidigeraextract, aloe vera, avocado, grapeseed, lavender, lemon, and the like.The products of the present invention may also comprise enzymes such asdigestive enzymes. Also present may be useful bacteria in, for example,pro-biotic formulations. In some embodiments, microencapsulatedbeneficial microorganisms may be present, including lactic-acidproducing microbes.

The products and methods of the present invention may also be adopted incombination with other known treatments, such as the treatments forvulvar dystrophy described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,128, “Method ofTreating Atrophic Vulvar Dystrophy,” issued Apr. 17, 1979 toJasionowski, herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith. Jasionowski describes pharmaceuticalformulations comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophilicointment base containing a suspension of progesterone (Pregn-4-ene, 3,20-dione) or other progestins dissolved in vegetable oil is topicallyapplied to an area afflicted with vulvar dystrophy. Plant estrogens,including those obtained from soy and black cohosh, may also beconsidered.

Many alternate product formats can be considered. For example, thecompositions of the present invention may be provided not only in wipesor creams, but also as vaginal suppositories to provide ongoing releaseof active ingredients for the pudendal area. The compositions of thepresent invention may also be applied to absorbent articles such assanitary napkins, feminine pads, incontinence pads, pantiliners,tampons, and the like. The compositions of the present invention may bedelivered via wet wipes, wetted sponges, strips of nonwoven materials orother flexible materials attached to the underwear or temporarily heldor wiped against the body, etc. The compositions may also be deliveredby means of an aerosol spray, a non-aerosol spray such as a manuallypumped spray bottle, a roller with a rolling head that delivers liquidingredients from a liquid reservoir, a gel stick, and the like,including, for example, a tubular delivery device with a twist-clickelevator mechanism in which turning of a lower portion of the deviceratchets up an elevator that expels a cream or gel from an orifice on adelivery head for application to the body, similar to the delivery penused for the Willow-Bark-to-Go anti-acne treatment of Boscia (Yokohama,Japan).

The feminine treatment composition may be applied in a variety of meansto deliver active ingredients to the exterior surface of the user. Thesedelivery means may include feminine pads (a term intended to comprisesanitary napkins, pantiliners, thong liners, and a variety of menstrualpads and incontinence products). The delivery means may also comprisewipes, particularly wet wipes, that are used to deliver activeingredients in a formulation to the exterior body of the user in thepudendum or adjacent regions. Moist or pretreated liners may also beplaced in contact with the body for a period of time, similar to or inconjunction with the use of feminine pads (e.g., pantiliners). These maybe applied during the day, including throughout the day or for briefperiods of time, such as for 1 minute or longer, 5 minutes or longer, or20 minutes or longer, including, for example from 10 minutes to 12hours, from 1 hour to 6 hours, or for about 1 hour to 24 hours, or lessthan about any of the following: 24 hours, 6 hours, 2 hours, 1 hours, 10minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, or 15 seconds.

The feminine treatment composition may be generally applied in any knownform such as in the form of a spray or a viscous formulation forapplication by means other than conventional spraying. Such a viscousformulation may comprise a cream (generally understood to comprise anemulsion such as an oil/water emulsion, including oil-in-water andwater-in-oil emulsions) such as those that may be described as amoisturizer, lotion, liniment, ointment, salve, etc. The viscousformulation may also appear to be a jelly, including a single-phase ormulti-phase viscous fluid such as a gel optionally displayingviscoelasticity. The viscous formulation may be characterized by beingflowable under shear stress, but may have a yield stress such that atvery low shear stress levels, the formulation substantially does notflow. In some cases, the yield stress may be sufficiently high such thata quantity of the viscous formulation at room temperature (22° C.) maybe applied to a substantially vertical section of human skin withoutimmediately and noticeably flowing under the influence of gravity alone(specifically, the quantity may be sufficient to coat a 3 cm diametercircular section of dry, glabrous skin such as skin on the upper thighto a depth of about 2 mm without visible migration of the viscousformulation after 3 minutes of gravitation pull while the skin is heldsubstantially still in a vertical orientation). The viscous formulationmay also comprise a substantial quantity of void space or gaseousbubbles and may be in the form of a foam, a multiphase gel, etc. Theformulation may also be provided as a solid or semisolid material suchas a soluble polymeric film or other film capable of releasing activeingredients in use, including films comprising slow-release polymericsubstrates. Slow-release polymers for releasing active ingredients maybe used in any other known form as well. The formulation may also beprovided as a wash, as a douche product, as a suppository, as a coating,liquid, vaginal capsule, vaginal tablet, vaginal film, vaginal sponge,vaginal ovule, etc., provided that it is adapted to release activeingredients to the exterior skin of the user. The formulation may alsobe applied to a vaginal insert, tampon, wipe or pad, and thenadministered to the vagina, provided that active ingredients can bedelivered therefrom to the exterior surfaces of the body adjacent thevagina.

For formulations comprising gels, although a variety of compounds may beemployed, water is usually employed as the dispersion medium for the gelto optimize biocompatibility. Other possible dispersion mediums includenon-aqueous solvents, including glycols, such as propylene glycol,butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyethyleneglycols, ethoxydiglycol, and dipropyleneglycol; alcohols, such asethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol; triglycerides; ethyl acetate;acetone; triacetin; and combinations thereof. Typically, the dispersionmedium (e.g., water) constitutes greater than about 75 wt/vol %, in someembodiments greater than about 90 wt/vol %, and in some embodiments,from about 95 wt/vol % to about 99 wt/vol % of the vaginal treatmentcomposition.

The disperse phase of the gel may be formed from any of a variety ofdifferent gelling agents, including temperature responsive(“thermogelling”) compounds, ion responsive compounds, and so forth.Thermogelling systems, for instance, respond to a change in temperature(e.g., increase in temperature) by changing from a liquid to a gel.Generally speaking, the temperature range of interest is from about25.degree. C. and 40.degree. C., in some embodiments from about35.degree. C. and 39.degree. C., and in one particular embodiment, atthe human body temperature (about 37.degree. C.). Compositions thatchange state at about this temperature are useful because they willremain in a body cavity, for example, after they have been delivered.Any of a variety of thermogelling compounds that are capable of gellingwhen applied to the vagina may be used in the present invention. In somecases, thermogelling block copolymers, graft copolymers, and/orhomopolymers may be employed. For example, polyoxyalkylene blockcopolymers may be used in some embodiments of the present invention toform a thermo-gelling composition. The term “polyoxyalkylene blockcopolymers” refers to copolymers of alkylene oxides, such as ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide, which form a gel when dispe3rsed in water ina sufficient concentration. Some suitable polyoxyalkylene blockcopolymers include polyoxybutylene block copolymers andpolyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers (“EO/PO” blockcopolymers), such as described in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2003/0204180 to Huang, et al., which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference thereto for all purposes. For instance, exemplarypolyoxyalkylene block copolymers includepolyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers (EO/PO blockcopolymers), etc.

Any suitable gelling agent, including gellan and other polymers andpolysaccharides, may be used, including those described in U.S. Pat. No.7,619,008, “Xylitol for Treatment of Vaginal Infections,” issued Nov.17, 2009 to Yang et al., herein incorporated by reference to the extentthat it is noncontradictory herewith.

Preservatives and Antimicrobial Agents

Additional preservatives or antimicrobial agents may be provided in theformulations and systems described herein. Such agents may includecetylpyridinium chloride, parabens e.g., (methyl paraben, ethylparaben), imidazolidinyl urea, propyl benzoate, sodium benzoatre,potassium sorbate, and the like. Other antimicrobial or bacteriostaticagents that may be considered include, by way of example only,biguanide, chitosan derivatives, silver nanoparticles or othersilver-based compositions and products capable of releasing silver ions,and the like. Nisin, a polycyclic peptide antibacterial agent, may alsobe incorporate in some embodiments of the formulations of the presentinvention.

Rheology Modifying Ingredients

Many known rheology modifiers can be considered to obtain desiredproperties, particularly the bioadhesive properties of some embodiments.Gums such as guar gum or xanthan gum or other industrial gums, polyvinylalcohols, polyacrylates, cellulose-derived polymers such ascarboxymethylcellise or hydroxyalkylcellulose polymers, Laponite, clays,carboxomer polymers, and numerous other compounds can be considered.Silicone elastomers can be considered, including those described in U.S.Ser. No. 09/613,266 (P&G).

Known bioadhesive polymers may be used as part of the carrier system,including polyolprepolymers from Barnet Products Group (EnglewoodCliffs, N.J.) and related compounds such as Barnet's Topicare® DeliveryCompounds and related liquid polymers. Barnet's polyolprepolymers arepolyalkalene glycol-based polyurethane polymers suitable for use as skincare agents that can hold active ingredients on the surface of the skin.They do not absorb substantially into the skin and can remain in placefor a prolonged period of time, being capable of forming a liquidreservoir on the skin. Specific products include polyolprepolymer-2(PP-2), polyolprepolymer-14 (PP-14), and polyolprepolymer-15 (PP-15).PP-2 is a lipophilic mixture of liquid hydroxy-terminated polymers inpolypropylene glycol having oligomers with a molecular weight range of1,500 to 10,000 and an average molecular weight of about 4,000 and anHLB in the range of 12-14. At 35° C., it has a reported viscosity ofabout 2500 to 4000 cps. PP-14 is similar but has a higher molecularweight of about 18,000 and is more lipophilic. It has an HLB of about11-13. At 35° C., it has a reported viscosity of about 2500 to 6000 cps.PP-15 is a mixture of liquid hydroxy-terminated polymers in polyethyleneglycol. It has a molecular weight of about 1,800 and is soluble in waterand alcohol and can be used in aqueous systems with hydrophiliccomponents. At 35° C., it has a reported viscosity of about 2500 to 5000cps. See “Polyolprepolymers: Properties and Use in CosmeticProducts—Technical Manual,” Bertek Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary ofMylan Laboratories (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.), 1996.

The aforementioned polyolprepolymers are believed to be particularlyuseful in enhancing the efficacy of active ingredients such asalpha-hydroxy acids by holding them on the epidermis level and reducingirritation.

Bioadhesive materials useful for some of the embodiments describedherein may include those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,045, “VaginalpH Buffering for Preventing Miscarriage and Premature Labor, by Treatingor Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis,” published Nov. 12, 2002 by Bolognaet al. The Bologna patent discusses water-insoluble but water-swellablecross-linked polycarboxylic acid polymers that may be used in vaginaltreatments. For some versions of the present materials and methods, thebioadhesives may be modified to comprise suitable alpha hydroxy acidsand other agents, and then marketed as a solution for the problem offishy odor by application to the pudendum as opposed to the vagina.

Skin Benefit Agents

Non-limiting examples of skin benefit agents that may be considered foruse herein are described in The CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, 2ndEdition (1992), which includes a wide variety of ingredients commonlyused in the skin care industry, and which may be suitable for use invarious embodiments of the present invention. Non-limiting examples ofskin benefit agents include absorbents, aesthetic components such asfragrances, pigments, natural extractives such as witch hazel or aloevera, colorings/colorants, essential oils, skin sensates, astringents,etc. (e.g., clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, eugenol,menthyl lactate, witch hazel distillate), anti-caking agents,antimicrobial agents (e.g., iodopropyl butylcarbamate), antioxidants,colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, drug astringents,external analgesics, opacifying agents, pH adjusters, skin-conditioningand/or moisturizing agents, i.e. glycerine, skin soothing and/or healingagents (e.g., panthenol and derivatives (e.g., ethyl panthenol),pantothenic acid and its derivatives, allantoin, bisabolol, anddipotassium glycyrrhizinate), retinoids, (e.g. retinol palmitate),tocopheryl nicotinate, skin treating agents, vitamins and derivativesthereof. It is to be understood that the actives useful herein can insome instances provide more than one benefit or operate via more thanone mode of action. Therefore, classifications herein are made for thesake of convenience and are not intended to limit the active to thatparticular application or applications listed.

Moisturizers may include urea, which may also be used in combinationwith lactic acid for effective moisturizing activity.

Foam Embodiments

In some embodiments, the active ingredients are delivered to the bodywhile in a foam state, such as stable foam, for example, that isproduced with or without a propellant. In some versions, a foam isdispensed from a dispenser such as a propellant-free dispenser withpumping action to create the foam from a composition in a foamablecarrier, and then applied to a wipe or other substrate, or applied tothe hand of the user or otherwise delivered to the pudendum.Propellant-driving foam generators may also be used to deliver thecomposition in the form of a foam.

Active ingredients in a foam may be dispensed for subsequent placementon a dry wipe, a pre-moistened wipe, or other soft, flexible applicator(e.g., an object about 3-fingers wide or 4 to 10 cm wide) or a fingercondom wipe or other object to used for application of the foam-basedcomposition to the pudendum. The foam can be a non-propellant foam. Afoam with a suitable stiffness of yield stress can be applied to thepudendum in any manner of methods for sustained adherence and contactwith the body.

Examples of foam-based systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,204,“Stable Foam for Use in Disposable Wipe,” issued to Lapidus on Nov. 16,2004, herein incorporated by reference to the extent that it isnoncontradictory herewith. The Lapidus patent, whose teachings may beadapted for use with the present products and processes, discusses theuse of compatible surfactants, e.g., nonionic, anionic, amphoteric, foruse in human hygienic products. The surfactant should be capable offorming a foam when mixed with air in a finger actuated, mechanical pumpfoamer. Such surfactants are said to include, without limitation, thosewhich do not irritate mucous membranes such as polyethylene 20 cetylether (Brij 58)™, a nonionic surfactant; sodium lauroyl sarcosinate(Hamposyl L-30)™, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (Lathanol LAL)™ and sodiumlaureth sulfate (Sipon ESY)™—anionic surfactants; lauramidopropylbetaine (Monateric LMAB™), an amphoteric surfactant, as well aspolysorbate 20, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate andcombinations thereof. Typically, the surfactant is said to present in anamount from about 2% to about 35% by weight, or from about 5% to about15% by weight.

At least one foam stabilizing agent may also be present in certainfoamable embodiments. Suitable foam stabilizing agents may include,without limitation, natural or synthetic gums such as xanthan gum,polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, alkylene polyols suchas glycerine and propylene glycol and combinations thereof. Typically,the foam stabilizers may be present in an amount from about 0.10% toabout 5%, or from about 2% to about 4%.

In the Lapidus patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,204), alkylene polyols aresaid to be typically employed in amounts from about 0.1% to about 10%,gums are employed in amounts ranging from about 0.05% to about 1%,and/or polyalkylene glycols are present in amounts ranging from about0.05% to about 2%.

Preferably, the foam is produced using the F2 Finger Pump Foamer™manufactured by AirSpray International Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla. Sucha spring-loaded valve system operates without the use of gas propellantsor the like. Upon actuation, precise amounts of air and liquid aremixed, and a foam capable of maintaining its structure for a substantiallength of time is dispensed. In addition, the dispenser can deliver avariable amount of foam, thereby reducing waste of the wipe agentcontained therein.

A suitable foamer, by way of example, is the F2 Finger Pump Foamer™ madeby AirSpray. Details of exemplary propellantless defoamers are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,569, issued on Aug. 22, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No.5,813,576, issued Sep. 29, 1998, herein incorporated by reference to theextent that it is noncontradictory herewith.

Other Ingredients

Many other ingredients may be used in the formulation provided they arenot antagonistic to the intended function of the product. Suchingredients may include chelating agents such as EDTA, fragrances,viscosity modifiers, colors, opacifiers such as titanium oxide, sensoryagents such as menthol or other known agents capable of producing acooling or warming sensation on the skin; essential oils, fatty acids,proteins including various enzymes; probiotic agents to enhance growthof lactobaccili or other desirable bacteria, and the like.

Humectants and solubilizers may be used, such as butylene glycol.

In various embodiments, the formulation may be substantially free of anyor all of the following: ethanol, methanol, propanol, alcohols, alcoholshaving 3 our fewer carbons, alcohols having 2 or fewer carbons, glycolicacid, acetic acid, critic acid, latex, spermicides, Octoxynol-9, TEA(triethylamine, a compound which may contribute to unwanted odor) orderivatives of TEA, TMA (trimethylamine), ammonia or complexes thereof,amines, protein, polyhydroxy fatty acids, polyhydroxy acids,alpha-hydroxy acids having 14 or greater carbons, fatty acids,polyhydroxy fatty acid esters (or polyhydroxy fatty acid derivativessuch as esters, amides, and alcohols), benzoic acid, preservatives,perfumes, artificial colors, sodium bicarbonate, bicarbonates in solidor ionic form, retinol, or Retin-A. “Substantially free” in this contextmay mean lacking an effective quantity. For alcohols and acids this maybe taken as less than 0.1%. In some cases, the concentration may be lessthan 0.05%. Xylitol or other 5-carbon sugars may be used to enhance theantimicrobial benefits of the composition. See, for example, U.S. Pat.No. 7,619,008, “Xylitol for Treatment of Vaginal Infections,” issuedNov. 17, 2009 to Yang et al., previously incorporated by reference.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,437, “Wet Wipes Having Skin Health Benefits,” issuedAug. 27, 2002 to Krzysik et al., herein incorporated by reference to theextent that it is noncontradictory herewith, describes a soft wet wipeor wipe-type product, such as a baby wipe, an adult wipe, hand wipe, aface wipe, a cosmetic wipe, a household wipe, an industrial wipe, apersonal cleansing wipe, cotton balls, cotton tipped swabs, and thelike, that can be made by combining the wipe or wipe-type product withan oil-in-water emulsion composition comprising a natural fat or oil,sterol or sterol derivative, humectant, emulsifying surfactant, andwater. Krzysik discuss a wet wipe or wipe-type product with anoil-in-water emulsion composition comprising a natural fat or oil,sterol or sterol derivative, humectant, emulsifying surfactants andsurfactant combinations having an HLB range of about 7 to about 18, andwater. The composition is said to readily transfer from the wet wipe orwipe-type sheet onto the skin being contacted with the sheet to provideenhanced skin barrier benefits. The natural fat or oil used in thecomposition may include borage oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil. Thesterol or sterol derivative used in the composition may include soysterol, avocado sterols, or cholesterol. The humectant used in thecomposition may include glycerin, sorbitol, or propylene glycol. Theemulsifying surfactant used in the composition may include glycerylstearate SE, emulsifying wax NF, or propylene glycol oleate SE. Thecomposition may further comprise from about 0.1 to about 30 weightpercent petrolatum or mineral oil.

One embodiment drawing upon the Krzysik et al. patent is a wet wipe orwipe-type product that enhances skin barrier functions having at leastone layer and an oil-in-water emulsion composition. The oil-in-wateremulsion composition may comprise from about 0.1 to about 30 weightpercent of natural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 weightpercent of sterol or sterol derivative, from about 0.1 to about 30weight percent of humectant, from about 0.5 to about 20 weight percentof emulsifying surfactant having an HLB range from about 7 to about 18,and from about 45 to about 99.5 weight percent of water. The amount ofthe oil-in-water emulsion composition contained within each wet wipe orwipe-type product may range from about 150 to about 600 weight percentbased on the weight of the product. This formulation can be modifiedaccording to the discoveries disclosed previously to be useful inpreventing unwanted odor, including the use of suitable alpha hydroxyacids.

The lists of fats and oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, essential oils,and emulsifying surfactants in the Krzysik et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No.6,440,437, previously incorporated by reference) are in particularincorporated herein by reference and may be used for various embodimentsherein.

Suitable humectants may include, but are not limited to, the followingmaterials: acetamide MEA, Aloe Vera Gel, arginine PCA, chitosan PCA,copper PCA, corn glycerides, dimethyl imidazolidinone, fructose,glucamine, glucose, glucose glutamate, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid,glycereth-7, glycereth-12, glycereth-20, glycereth-26, glycerin, honey,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, hydrolyzed cornstarch, lactamide MEA, lactic acid, lactose lysine PCA, mannitol, methylgluceth-10, methyl gluceth-20, PCA, PEG-2 lactamide, PEG-10 propyleneglycol, polyamino sugar condensate, potassium PCA, propylene glycol,propylene glycol citrate, saccharide hydrolysate, saccharide isomerate,sodium aspartate, sodium lactate, sodium PCA, sorbitol, TEA-Lactate,TEA-PCA, urea, xylitol, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

Non-ionic silicone surfactants may also be used, according toUS20070141127, “Wet Wipes with Natural Antimicrobial Agents,” hereinincorporated by reference to the extent that it is noncontradictoryherewith. Suitable natural antimicrobial agents discussed therein mayalso be combined with the formulations described here.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,426 to Krzysik et al., herein incorporated byreference to the extent that it is noncontradictory herewith, describesa lotion formula that can be applied to a tissue which will remainavailable for transfer to the user's skin to reduce skin irritation andredness. The lotion composition includes from about 30 to about 90weight percent of oil, from about 10 to about 40 weight percent wax, andfrom about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a fatty alcohol. The meltingpoint of the lotion composition is from about 30° C. to about 70° C. Thelotion was applied to the tissue via a heated rotogravure printingprocess.

Specifically, the formulation was pre-melted at about 56° C. and thepress supply system (supply hose, doctor application head, and gravureroll) was pre-heated to about 50° C. The deposit solidified almostinstantaneously on the surface of the treated tissue. Such a system canbe adapted for versions of the present system to apply a lotion to atissue, a wipe, a topsheet, or other suitable surface for subsequenttransfer to the skin of a user.

In general, whether applied from a treatment on an absorbent article,from a wipe of any kind, by a spray, sponge, pads, by the fingers, or byany other means, the formulation may have the characteristics of asemi-solid at both 20° C. and at 37° C. (normal internal bodytemperature). For example, at 20° C., the portion of the formulationthat is liquid may be from about 2% to about 60% by weight, or fromabout 5% to about 50% by weight, or from about 5% to about 30% byweight. Upon heating to 37° C., the liquid fraction may be from about 5%to about 80%, or from about 10% to about 75%, or from about 15% to about70%, which may, for example, represent an increase in the relativeamount of liquid present, wherein the ratio of the liquid weight percentat 37° C. to the liquid weight percent at 20° C. may be greater than 1,greater than 1.05, greater than 1.1, or greater than 1.2, such as fromabout 1.05 to about 20, from about 1.05 to about 10, from about 1.05 toabout 6, or from about 1.20 to about 10.

In one version, the formulation may have substantially liquid propertiesat room temperature prior to being applied to a substrate. U.S. Pat. No.7,169,400, “Waterless Lotion and Lotion-Treated Substrate,” issued Jan.30, 2007 to Luu et al., herein incorporated by reference to the extentthat it is noncontradictory herewith, describes lotion compositions thatare substantially liquid at room temperature (defined by Luu et al. asbeing from 20° C. to 25° C.) but which become semi-solid orsubstantially more viscous after application to a substrate such as acellulosic or other polymeric web as a component of the composition isabsorbed by the substrate. In one version, Luu et al. describe a lotionincluding a micro-emulsion, which comprises a polar emollient, anon-polar emollient, a non-ionic surfactant, and a co-surfactant whereinat least one of the emollients has substantial solubility in eithercellulosic or synthetic fiber. For example, at least the polar emollientmay be soluble in cellulosic fibers and the non-polar emollient may besoluble in synthetic fibers. Polar emollients may include a polyhydroxyemollient such as propylene glycol, glycol, glycerol, sorbitol,diethylene glycol, methylene glycol, poly propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like.

Non-polar emollients may include an aromatic or linear ester, Guerbetester, mineral oil, squalane, squalene, liquid paraffin and the like.The polar or non-polar emollient is either in the continuous outer phaseor in the discontinuous internal phase of the micro-emulsion.Co-surfactants may include fatty alcohols. Preferred fatty alcoholsinclude C12 to C18 fatty alcohols, behenyl alcohol, iso cetyl alcohol,and iso stearyl alcohol.

Non-ionic surfactants may include PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate,PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether distearate,PEG-20 methyl glucose distearate, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate,ethoxylated methyl glucose having from about 10 to about 20 repeatingethoxy units, and the like. The lotion may comprise, for example, atleast 10% polyalkoxy or polyhydroxy emollient; an aromatic ester, suchas C12 to C15 alkyl benzoate ester or mineral oil; and may furthercomprise myristyl alcohol and, for example, PEG-20 methylglucosesesquistearate. Such lotions may be adapted for use with otherformulations described herein and may, for example, further comprisemandelic acid.

The formulation may also comprise a plurality of other acidifying agentssuch as acetic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, and the like. Knownmedicaments may also be included, such as compositions inpharmaceutically effective concentrations for treating infections, skindisorders, and other known health conditions.

Packaging and Dispensing

Products made according to any of the embodiments of the presentinvention may be packaged and/or dispensed in any known way suitable forany particular product format. Wet wipes, for example, may be packagedin perforated rolls contained within flexible pouches or rigiddispensers of any kind. Wipes may also be cut and folded into knownconfigurations such as C-folds, L-folds, M-folds, quarter folds, and thelike, for dispensing wipes from various known containers. In someembodiments, each individual wet wipe is arranged in a foldedconfiguration and stacked one on top of the other to provide a stack ofwet wipes. The stack of folded wet wipes may be placed in the interiorof a container, such as a plastic tub, to provide a package of wet wipesfor eventual sale to the consumer. Alternatively, the wet wipes mayinclude a continuous strip of material which has perforations betweeneach wipe and which may be arranged in a stack or wound into a roll fordispensing.

Wipe dispensers and dispensers for other product forms may includemounted and stand-alone dispensers such as those of Klein EnvironmentalSupplies, (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.).

Wipes or absorbent articles used within the scope of the presentinvention may be packaged using any known wrapper, pouch, casing, orother packaging system, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.6,010,001, “Individual Packaging for Hygienic Wiping,” issued Jan. 4,2000 to Osborn; U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,371, “Internally Sterile CompositePackage,” issued to D. Patience on Nov. 6, 1962; U.S. Pat. No.3,698,549, “Packages for Small Articles,” issued to J. A. Glassman onOct. 17, 1972; all of which herein incorporated by reference to theextent that they are noncontradictory herewith. Systems that can beadapted for use with certain embodiments of the present inventioninclude U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,059, “Package of a Sanitary Tampon,” issuedto S. Shimatani and K. Shimatani on Jan. 19, 1993, which describespackaging sheets that help protect the user's hands during applicationof the product.

Wipes and other products may be provided in sterile heat sealablepouches. Sterilization, if desired, may be provided by gammairradiation, microwave radiation, e-beam radiation, ultraviolet light,steam autoclaving, ethylene oxide treatment, or any other known method.

Pouches may substantially consist or comprise foil, foil laminates,polymeric films, and the like.

Wipes may also be dispensed from sealable jars such as glass or plasticjars or other resilient containers. Any known dry or wet wipe containermay also be considered, including resilient plastic tubs with openingsfor dispensing of wipes in a pop-up manner, such as Cottonelle® wipesfrom Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Dallas, Tex.).

In one version, wipes may be co-packaged with single-use dispensers of aformulation in the form of a lotion, cream, or solution, wherein acardboard or plastic container for wipes (e.g., a rectangular containerholding plurality of wipes) is connected to a lid element by a hinge, inwhich the underside of the lid contains a plurality of single-useformulation containers such as pouches that can be opened by squeezingor tearing. The single-use formulation containers may be held by apocket on the underside of the lid element, allowing them to be visiblewhen the lid element is placed in an upright or open position, allowingboth the wipes and the single-use containers to be visible and readilyselected and taken by a user, as desired. This packaging embodiment mayhave a lid element that resembles several popular chewing gum packagessuch as those described in US20090150231, “Package Assembly forMulti-Modality Functional Ingredients in Chewing Gum Compositions,”published Jun. 11, 2009 by Jani et al.

Directions for Use

Inidicia placed on or otherwise associated with packaging may informusers of the benefits of the product, call attention to the relationshipbetween fishy odor and the non-pathological environment of the pudendum,provide information about the importance of maintaining the right pH inthat region, and give instructions for use. Instructions for use mayinclude, by way of example, information similar to the following:

“Directions for use. For best product performance, after showering, blowdry your bottom on a low warm setting until skin is dry. Apply the creamto the folds between your labia, up onto your clitoral hood, perineumand between your buttocks including the area around your anus.

“For best results, use the wipe to cleanse the areas of your bottomafter urination, bowel movements, intercourse and rigorous activity.Reapply the cream if needed for added protection especially aftershowering.”

Indicia may be placed on the packaging material holding a container of acomposition such as an outer cardboard box, or may be placed on thecontainer that directly holds the composition (e.g., a squeezable tube,a plastic or glass jar, a spray bottle, a foam dispenser, a tube ofwipes, etc.). Alternatively or in addition, instructions for use may beassociated with the product in a variety of ways other that directlyprinting on a package. The instructions may be provided on printedmaterial that is distributed with the product but physically detachedtherefrom, or may be on a website or other information source that isassociated with the product (e.g., accessible via a QR code, barcode,RFID tag, or URL printed on the package). Information about the productand its use may also be approved in promotional media such as intelevision commercials promoting the product. Such information may pointto the surprising discovery that many cases of fishy odor are not due topathological conditions in the vagina but are a result of proximity ofsources of anaerobic bacteria to the pudendum coupled with pH loweringconditions, calling for care in maintaining a suitable pH in thepudendum.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A viscous cream comprising lactic acid, mandelic acid, and an oil/wateremulsion carrier was formulated using the following ingredients:

Water Lactic acid 8.0% Mandelic acid 4.0% Glycerin Xanthan gum thickenerPolyquaternium 10 Aloe vera extract Oat extract Allantoin Chamomileextract Sodium hydroxide Methylisothiazolinone (preservative) Caprylglycol

The pH of the formulation was 4.0.

This formulation was then tested with female subjects using an externaltest agency. Seventeen product summaries were collected from testsubjects. The summaries are formatted on a 5 point scale with 5 beingthe most favorable to 1 being the least. The product was evaluated onthe properties as follows, texture, feel after applied to the skin,irritability to the application area, reduction or blocked odor, howwell the women liked the product and whether or not they would use theproduct again or recommend it to a friend. Most of the women fellbetween the ages of 20-50 with the exception on both extremes, theyoungest being nineteen and the oldest aged sixty-five. One women waspregnant in her third trimester.

Each of 5 parameters are separately considered. All 17 gave the producta 5/5 rating in terms of texture and consistency.

The product was not irritating to the area of application. Thirteen ofthe 17 (76%). gave it a 5/5. Three of the 17 gave it a 4/5 or 18%.Combined 4-5/5 rating is 16/17 or 94%. One woman gave it a 3/5 ratingand then explained that she had stinging upon initial application thatwent away quickly. She stated that overall the product worked and shewould buy the product and use in the future. A point was made by severalwomen that they had a warming sensation upon initial application thatthey felt meant it was working or one woman verbalized that it felt likeK-Y warming gel. None of the women felt that this was a negative. Somesaid that they felt that it must be working.

The product reduced or blocked odor. Thirteen of the 17 (76%) gave theproduct a 5/5 rating for odor reduction. Three of the 17 gave a 4/5 or18%. Combined rating of 4-5/5 is 16/17 or 94%. Of the women who gave a4/5 in this category, there were no additional comments about why theyfelt it was less than a 5. One woman gave the product a 3/5. She saidthat it only made her feel more wet and she did not like the product.Others stated that they felt that the product helped with odor duringmenses, after intercourse or after working out.

For overall approval of the product, fourteen of the 17 (82%) gave it5/5. One woman gave it a 4/5. Combined rating of 4-5/5 is 15/17 or 88%.One woman gave it a 2/5. (the one who did not like the product becauseit made her feel more wet). The same positive numbers were obtained whenthe subjects were asked if they would use this product again andrecommend it to others.

Example 2

Another version of a viscous cream was made with the followingingredients:

Water Lactic acid 10.0% Safflower oil Mandelic acid 2.0% Tricontyl PVP(water proofing agent) Glyceryl Stearate PEG- 100 Stearate EmulsifingWax Caprylic Capric Triglyceride Cetyl alcohol Dimethicone PolyacryamideC13 C14 Isoparaffin Laureth-7 Aloe vera Allantoin Oat extract Chamomileextract Sodium Hydroxide Phenoxyrthanol (preservative) Chlorphenensin(preservative) Benzoic acid (preservative) Sorbic acid (preservative)Butylene Glycol

Example 3

A composition for treating fishy odor arising from the pudendum wasprepared using the ingredients and weight percents shown in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Ingredients in a composition for treating fishy odor. % SequenceINCI Names Trade Names W/W Suppliers 1 Water D.I. Water 49.60 Open 1Disodium EDTA Versene Na2 0.100 Open 1 Glycerin 99 vegetable Glycerin 995.00 Open 1 Lactic Acid 70% Purac 10.00 Purac America 1 DL Mandelic acidMandelic Acid 2.00 Orient Star 310/7016402 1 Allantoin Allantoin 0.10Open 2 Glyceryl Stearate & PEG Arlacel 165 3.50 Open 100 Stearate 2Cetyl Alcohol Cetyl Alcohol 2.00 Open 2 Dimethicone Dow Corning 1.00 DowCorning 200/100 2 Caprylic/Capric Liponate CG 3.50 Lipo chemicalTriglyceride 2 Emulsifying Wax Polawax 3.00 Croda 2 Tricontyl PVP GanezWP660 3.00 ISP 2 Carthamus Tinctorius High oleic 8.50 Open (safflower)Seed Oil Safflower oil 3 Germazide PSB 1.00 3 50% Sodium HydroxideSodium 2.500 Open Hydroxide 3 Aloe Barbadensis leaf Aloe 10 Fold 0.50Active organic extract 3 Avena Sativa (oat) kernel Oat extract 0.10 ″extract 3 Chamomilla Recutita Chamomile 0.10 ″ (Matricaria Matricaria)extract flower extract 4 Sepigel 305 2.50 Seppic 4 PPG-12/SMDI CopolymerPolyolperpolymer-2 2.00 Barnet

Procedures:

-   -   1. In a clean sanitized stainless steel tank, Sequence 1        ingredients were combined and mixed thoroughly to form a first        mixture.    -   2. The first mixture was heated to 75° C. while mixing        continued.    -   3. In a separate stainless steel tank, Sequence 2 ingredients        were combined and heated to 75° C. to form a second mixture.    -   4. After slight cooling, when both mixtures were at 70° C., the        second mixture was added gradually to the first mixture while        mixing. Mixing continued for another 15 minutes to form a third        mixture.    -   5. A cooling cycle was then started as the third mixture was        cooled to 40° C. Then the Sequence 3 ingredients were added one        at time in the listed order while mixing to form a fourth        mixture.    -   6. The ingredients from Sequence 4 were then blended into the        fourth mixture to form the final composition.

The final composition had a pH less than 4 and was then tested forefficacy in terms of preventing malodor. Relative to similarcompositions without the PP-12 prepolymer (PPG-12), the composition wasfound to be surprisingly effective in preventing fishy odor from thepudendum, with a prolonged effect lasting over 24 hours. Without wishingto be bound by theory, it is believed that the prepolymer compoundassists in holding the alpha-hydroxy acids of the composition off theskin and in an environment where they can be effective in maintaining alow pH and reducing the activity of anaerobic bacteria on the pudendum.

The product apparently not only diminishes existing odor on contact, buthas a lasting effect that is believed to due at least in part to thecombination of alpha-hydroxy acids in a lipophilic carriers. In aformulation without the prepolymer, the efficacy on the pudendum wasestimated to have a duration of about 6 to 8 hours, such that fishy odorwas substantially reduced or prevented after application, but wouldbegin to return after about 8 hours. With a change in formulation toinclude the prepolymer from Barnet, the lasting odor control exceededexpectations and lasted upwards of 24 hours. Another surprise was theobservation of an apparent cumulative effect with daily use over time,such that the interval required before the return of malodor could bedetected increased significant over time beyond what was expected basedon experience with related formulations without the prepolymer. Inparticular, the interval of time before the return of fishy odor afteractivities like intercourse, menses, and exercise and leaking urine wasextended significantly and the intensity of the fishy odor when it didreturn appeared to be significantly less than expected as well. Withoutwishing to be bound by theory, it may be that the bacterial load is wellcontrolled on the pudendum long after application of the product, andthus the amount of “work” to be done by reapplication of the product islessened with regular use.

Example 4

In one prophetic example, a feminine care product is treated with theformulations previously described. The feminine care product is anabsorbent disposable article that may comprise a breathable stretchedelastomeric film, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,457,“Dimensionally Stable, Breathable, Stretch-Thinned, Elastic Films,”issued Oct. 8, 2002 to Taylor et al., herein incorporated by referenceto the extent that it is noncontradictory herewith, the breathable filmserving as at least a portion of the skin-contacting side of theabsorbent article (e.g., as an intake layer or cover layer on thearticle). The article may comprise a cellulosic absorbent core, animpervious film as a back layer, and other components known in the art,as described in any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,349,“Absorbent Articles Having Panty Covering Components that Naturally Wrapthe Sides of Panties,” issued Aug. 18, 1998 to Lavash et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 4,738,676, “Pantiliner,” issued Apr. 19, 1988 to Osborn; U.S. Pat.No. 7,601,415, “Absorbent Device Using an Apertured Nonwoven as anAcquisition Distribution Layer,” issued Oct. 13, 2009; U.S. Pat. No.6,213,993, “Self-Adhering Absorbent Article,” issued Apr. 10, 2001 toZacharias et al.; and so forth. The porous skin-contacting layer on thearticle may be treated, at least in part, with a formulation comprisinga viscous, semisolid, or solid lipophilic components blended with anacidifying compound comprising a gentle aliphatic acid such as mandelicacid or derivatives thereof and a low-molecular weight carboxylic acidsuch as lactic acid. The formulation may be prepared by blending aheated molten lipophilic component (e.g., at a temperature of about 40°C. or higher, or between about 40° C. and 70° C.) with about 1% to about20% by weight, or from about 3% to about 10% by weight, of an aqueoussolution comprising the acidifying compounds, such that after blendingwith the lipophilic component, the resulting mixture has about 0.5% toabout 3% by weight of acids. Emulsifying or stabilizing components maybe added in effective amounts to enhance the blending. The formulationmay then be coated on or otherwise applied the porous web of the coverlayer by known means such as impregnation, cast coating, gravureprinting, flexographic printing, and the like, with an effective basisweight of the applied material corresponding to about 10 gsm (grams persquare meter) or greater, such as about 50 gsm, about 100 gsm, about 250gsm, or about 500 gsm or greater, such as from about 50 gsm to about 700gsm, or from about 100 gsm to about 400 gsm. In contact with the body,the acidying components may be release onto the skin to elevate the pHthere to an acceptable range that hinders the formation of fish odorcompounds. Other components in the treatment on the absorbent articlemay also contribute toward that end, including antimicrobial agents.

Example 5

In a prophetic embodiment related to that of Example 4, the activeingredients are not necessarily directly on or in the body-contactingmaterials, but may be present in an underlying layer which can releasethe active ingredients to alter the environment on the skin of thewearer to reduce the formation in unwanted odors. Thus, a viscousformulation may be present beneath the body contacting material, wherethe body-contacting material may be a porous layer such as an aperturedfilm or fibrous layer, and wherein the formulation may be presentimmediately below the body contacting material for release during use ofthe absorbent article. Release may be due to diffusion or migration, ormay be triggered by physical or thermal means, in which case the activeingredients may be encapsulated in microcapsule or large encapsulatinglayers that rupture under physical compression or stress, or uponwarming to some temperature above room temperature and below bodytemperature.

Example 6

In a report conducted and prepared by BioScreen Testing Services(Torrance, Calif.), various compositions were evaluated in terms oftheir effectiveness in suppressing the liberation of trimethylamine fromgut bacteria (Report No. 644705, May 10, 2010). The report notes thatBioScreen was asked to evaluate a Feminine Hygiene Cream/Solutionproduct for its potency to inhibit the formation of trimethylamine(TMA).

A viable method was developed for the assay of trimethylamine (TMA). Themethod utilizes triethylamine and methanol together as internalstandards and choline as the substrate for generating TMA from thebacterial species. The bacterial culture for these studies wasClostridium sporogenes, which was grown in house at BioScreen.

Common bacterial species present in the lower gastrointestinal tractinclude Acidaminococcus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium,Coprococcus, Enterobacter, Enterococcus Escherichia, Eubacterium,Fusobacterium, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Megamonas, Megasphaera,Peptostreptococcus, Proteus, Ruminococcus, and Veillonella. Of these,Clostridium sporogenes was chosen due to its reported propensity forgenerating TMA from substrates carrying trimethylamino moeties.

Tests were conducted with a headspace gas chromatograph to verify thatClostridium sporogenes bacterial could actively generatingtrimethylamine from a choline substrate.

Equipment for the testing included a Trace GC Ultra gas chormoatographand a Varian CP-Volamine column. An FID detector was used with 2.5mL/min helium flow. Other details of operation are given in Table 2below:

TABLE 2 Other settings for the GC testing. Detector: FID Range: 10Carrier Gas Flow: 2.5 mL/min Carrier Gas Helium Split ratio: 50 Detectortemperature: 260° C. Injector temperature: 140° C. Injector liner: Split5 mm with no glasswool plug Injection volume: 1.0 mL Integrator:Xcalibur 2.0 Initial column temperature: 40° C. Hold time: 5.0 minProgram rate: 15° C./min Final column temperature: 260° C. Agitatortemperature: 60° C. Syringe temperature: 80° C. Final Hold time: 5.0 minIncubation time: 10.0 min

The bacterial species C. sporogenes, a species found in the lower GItract. was inoculated into 100 mL of Fluid Thioglycolate medium andincubated at 35±2° C. for a minimum of 16 hours. At the end ofincubation, the concentration of the bacterial suspension was confirmedby serial dilution in 9 mL PBS up to 10⁻⁷ and anaerobic incubation at32.5±2.5° C. for a minimum of 48 hours. Counts were recorded fromdilution plates with 25 to 250 colonies. The average counts weremultiplied by the reciprocal of the dilution factor to furnish theCFU/mL of the bacterial species.

The formation of TMA from Clostridium sporogenes by interaction withcholine substrate with the addition of 0.1 mL and 0.3 mL of HygieneProduct Solution was also investigated to arrive at the minimum amountof the Product needed for suppression of TMA formation.

Extensive testing was done to verify that TMA or methanol could be usedas standards.

In results shown below, solvents, reagents and standards used aredescribed in Table 3. Triethylamine (0.5 mL), along with methanol (0.5mL), was dissolved in an aqueous 1% benzalkonium chloride solution in a100 mL volumetric flask and this solution used as the dual internalstandard mix.

TABLE 3 Solvents, Reagents and Standards Compounds Description SourceCholine bicarbonate 80% in water Spectrum Trimethylamine 35% in ethanolAldrich Trimethylamine 99.9% Burdick and Jackson Benzalkonium chloride52.48% Spectrum Methanol 97% purity EMD Dimethylsulfoxide 99.98% VWR/BDHDI Water In house

Results for the evaluation of TMA suppression by a Hygiene ProductSolution (the composition from Example 1) according to variousembodiments of the present invention are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Set up for Evaluation of Hygiene Product Potency at 1.0 mLconcentration Culture Bacterial BAC/TEA/ Medium Choline Culture DI WaterMethanol No. of Sample ID (mL) (mL) (mL) (mL) IS (mL) injectionsBacterial Culture without addition of Hygiene Product Blank IS 3.0 0.11.0 1 Time 0 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 2 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 3hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 4 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 6 hrs 0.1 3.01.0 1.0 3 Bacterial Culture with addition of Hygiene Product Solution(1.0 mL) Time 0 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 2 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time3 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 4 hrs 0.1 3.0 1.0 1.0 3 Time 6 hrs 0.1 3.01.0 1.0 3 System Suitability Standards (TMA, amount in mg) Culture TMAStd TMA Std BAC/TEA/ Medium Choline 9.75 mg/mL 0.975 mg/mL Methanol No.of Sample ID (mL) (mL) (mL) (mL) IS (mL) injections Blank IS 3.0 0.1 1.01 Std 9.75 2.0 0.1 1.0 1.0 1 Std 4.875 2.5 0.1 0.5 1.0 1 Std. 1.95 2.80.1 0.2 1.0 7 Std 0.975 2.0 0.1 1.0 1.0 1 Std 0.4875 2.5 0.1 0.5 1.0 1Std 0.195 2.8 0.1 0.2 1.0 1 Std 0.0975 2.9 0.1 0.1 1.0 1 BAC =benzalkonium chloride; TEA = triethylamine

During the method development stage, it was found that addition ofbenzalkonium chloride, a known antibacterial compound, to the culturesolution stops further reactivity of the bacterial culture with cholineand hence, any experimental errors due to continued evolution of TMAbefore and between GC measurements is avoided.

It was observed that TMA liberation at measurable amounts commencesaround 2 hours after the addition of choline to the clostridiumsporogenes culture and steadily increases up to 6 hours. Further followup of the reaction up to 24 hours indicated that little additional TMAwas obtained after the 6 hour period.

The approach for evaluating the efficiency of the Hygiene ProductSolution included utilizing a comparative experimental set up with thebacterial culture/choline mixture with and without the addition of theHygiene Product Solution. Simultaneously, system suitability andlinearity measurements employing working standards of TMA were also setup. The culture/choline reaction was followed from the time of additionof the choline reagent, at intervals of 2, 3, 4 and 6 hours from thiscommencement time.

At first, the effect of addition of the Hygiene Product Solution at aconcentration 1.0 mL to 3.0 mL of the bacterial culture containing 0.1mL of choline bicarbonate solution (80% aqueous) was investigated. Theresults of this study, using triethylamine (TEA) and methanol asinternal standards, are presented in Tables 5 and 6, respectively.

TABLE 5 Screening of Hygiene Product for Suppression of Trimethylamine(TMA) formation at a Concentration of 1.0 mL/Vial (TEA Int. Std.) PeakArea Peak Area Conc. of TMA Int. Std Response of TMA Sample from TEAfrom Factor (mg/ Average Identity GC/FID GC/FID (RF) vial) (% RSD) Blankculture/choline samples (without Hygiene Product Solution) 0 hours 220342291934 0.0096 0.1763 0 hours 6262 1344977 0.0047 0.1621 0 hours 56361289738 0.0044 0.1612 0.1665 (5.1)  2 hours 57243 1001257 0.0672 0.34092 hours 90416 894695 0.1011 0.4379 2 hours 72682 795520 0.0914 0.41020.3964 (12.6) 3 hours 446165 972667 0.4587 1.4614 3 hours 811460 10957770.7405 2.2680 3 hours 317356 672981 0.4716 1.4983 1.7426 (26.1) 4 hours715862 946742 0.7561 2.3126 4 hours 907439 944506 0.9608 2.8982 4 hours862656 707466 1.2194 3.6383 2.9497 (22.5) 6 hours 1358933 715723 1.89875.5824 6 hours 14434782 617313 2.3388 6.8419 6 hours 1539396 6949652.2151 6.4878 6.3040 (10.3) Culture medium/choline with Hygiene ProductSolution (1 mL) added 0 hours 20600 52415 0.3930 1.2734 0 hours 6208179952 0.0345 0.2475 0 hours 9876 90641 0.1090 0.4605 0.6605 (82.0) 2hours 0.00 7803 0.0000 0.1487 2 hours 0.00 54727 0.0000 0.1487 2 hours0.00 48231 0.0000 0.1487 0.1487 (0.0)  3 hours 0.00 54556 0.0000 0.14873 hours 0.00 28354 0.0000 0.1487 3 hours 0.00 120728 0.0000 0.14870.1487 (0.0)  4 hours 0.00 169343 0.0000 0.1487 4 hours 4753 2469840.0192 0.2038 4 hours 0.00 33644 0.0000 0.1487 0.1671 (19.0) 6 hours0.00 18870 0.0000 0.1487 6 hours 0.00 36781 0.0000 0.1487 6 hours 0.0011594 0.0000 0.1487 0.1487 (0.0) 

TABLE 6 Screening of Hygiene Productfor Suppression of Trimethylamine(TMA) formation at a Concentration of 1.0 mL/Vial (Methanol as InternalStandard) Peak Area Peak Area Int. Std Conc. of Sample of TMA (MeOH)Response TMA Average Identity from GC/FID from GC/FID Factor (RF)(mg/vial) (% RSD) Blank culture/choline samples (Hygiene ProductSolution) 0 hours 22034 1515332 0.0145 0.1904 0 hours 6262 12559360.0050 0.1630 0 hours 5636 1152265 0..0049 0.1627 0.1720 (9.2) 2 hours57243 1179564 0.0570 0.3119 2 hours 90416 1246735 0.0725 0.3563 2 hours72682 1259827 0.0577 0.3138 0.3273 (7.7) 3 hours 446165 1349463 0.33061.0949 3 hours 811460 1087570 0.7461 2.2840 3 hours 317356 12917920.2457 0.8518 1.4102 (54.3) 4 hours 715862 1118001 0.6403 1.9812 4 hours907439 998037 0.9092 2.7507 4 hours 862656 622357 1.3861 4.1155 2.9491(36.7) 6 hours 1358933 1036260 1.3114 3.9016 6 hours 1443782 11454091.2605 3.7560 6 hours 1539396 1033086 1.4901 4.4131 4.0236 (8.6) Culturemedium/choline with Hygiene Product Solution (1 mL) added 0 hours 20600854008 0.0241 0.2178 0 hours 6208 880909 0.0070 0.1689 0 hours 9876831714 0.0119 0.1827 0.1896 (13.3) 2 hours 0.00 914941 0.0000 0.1487 2hours 0.00 1190919 0.0000 0.1487 2 hours 0.00 902057 0.0000 0.14870.1487 (0.0) 3 hours 0.00 1026409 0.0000 0.1487 3 hours 0.00 8662720.0000 0.1487 3 hours 0.00 966337 0.0000 0.1487 0.1487 (0.0) 4 hours0.00 761454 0.0000 0.1487 4 hours 4753 1193731 0.0040 0.1601 4 hours0.00 867308 0.0000 0.1487 0.1525 (4.3) 6 hours 0.00 968836 0.0000 0.14876 hours 0.00 791448 0.0000 0.1487 6 hours 0.00 958889 0.0000 0.14870.1487 (0.0)

The data in Tables 5 and 6 show that formation of TMA from Clostridiumsporogenes is completely suppressed at the Hygiene Product Solutionconcentration of 1.0 mL per test vial. FIGS. 5A and 5B, 6A and 6B, and7A and 7B show graphical representations. FIGS. 5A and 5B show TMAversus time profiles for testing done without (FIG. 5A) and with (FIG.5B) the Hygiene Product (1.0 mL concentration) of Example 1 added tovials containing bacterial culture and choline (for TEA internalstandards). FIGS. 6A and 6B show TMA versus time profiles for testingdone without (FIG. 6A) and with (FIG. 6B) the Hygiene Product (1.0 mLconcentration) of Example 1 added to vials containing bacterial cultureand choline (for methanol internal standards).

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the response factor (RF) for TMA versus time fromexperimental in testing of TMA concentration in vials of abacteria-containing solution with choline with different concentrationsof added material according to an embodiment of the present invention asdescribed in Example 1. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a concentration effect forthe Hygiene Product Solution in terms of its ability to suppress theformation of TMA from the bacteria. At a level of 0.1 mL Hygiene Productper vial, there was only minor suppression of TMA formation. On theother hand, at 0.3 mL level per vial, a suppression of over 60% could beobserved. See Tables 7 and 8 for further details.

TABLE 7 Screening of Hygiene Product for Suppression of Trimethylamine(TMA) formation at a Concentration of 0.1 and 0.3 mL/Vial (TEA asInternal Standard) Peak Area Peak Area Conc. of Sample of TMA Int. StdTEA Response TMA Average Identity from GC/FID from GC/FID Factor (RF)(mg/vial) (% RSD) Blank culture/choline samples (without Hygiene ProductSolution) 0 hours 0.0 1199841 0.0000 0.0553 0 hours 0.0 0.0000 0.05530.0553 (0.) 2 hours 226372 1333681 0.1697 0.5466 2 hours 179204 8455620.2119 0.6887 0.6076 (14.2) 3 hours 613063 530878 1.1548 3.3978 3 hours670989 626892 1.0703 3.1533 3.2755 (5.3) 4 hours 1342568 825947 1.62554.7601 4 hours 1009090 506876 1.9908 5.8175 5.2888 (14.1) 6 hours2372390 756959 3.1341 9.1267 6 hours 2191528 751315 2.9169 8.4981 8.8124(5.0) Culture medium/choline with Hygiene Product Solution (0.1 mL)added 0 hours 8719 681568 0.0128 0.0923 0 hours 5122 599566 0.00850.0800 0.0862 (10.1) 2 hours 90411 463373 0.1951 0.6200 2 hours 90673510613 0.1776 0.5693 0.5947 (6.0) 3 hours 399678 374049 1.0685 3.1480 3hours 719013 949924 0.7569 2.2461 2.6971 (23.6) 4 hours 1044789 5999851.7414 5.0955 4 hours 697939 446236 1.5641 4.5823 4.8389 (7.5) 6 hours1891991 625092 3.0267 8.8159 6 hours 2340351 800392 2.9240 8.5186 8.6672(2.4) Culture medium/choline with Hygiene Product Solution (0.3 mL)added 0 hours 0.00 402517 0.0000 0.0553 0 hours 14759 529344 0.02790.1360 0.0956 (59.7) 2 hours 12506 193472 0.0646 0.2424 2 hours 16007254549 0.0629 0.2373 0.2398 (1.5) 3 hours 72904 182075 0.4004 1.2142 3hours 79132 175308 0.4514 1.3618 1.2880 (8.1) 4 hours 142789 1357961.0515 3.0987 4 hours 236737 270125 0.8764 2.5919 2.8453 (12.6) 6 hours306515 170779 1.7948 5.2502 6 hours 399887 195678 2.0436 5.9703 5.6102(9.1)

TABLE 8 Screening of Hygiene Product for Suppression of Trimethylamine(TMA) formation at a Concentration of 0.1 and 0.3 mL/Vial (Methanol asInternal Standard) Peak Area Peak Area Int. Std Conc. of Sample of TMAMethanol Response TMA Average Identity from GC/FID from GC/FID Factor(RF) (mg/vial) (% RSD) Blank culture/choline samples (without GriffithsHygiene Product Solution) 0 hours 0.00 1289617 0.0000 0.0553 0 hours0.00 1280270 0.0000 0.0553 0.0553 (0.0) 2 hours 226372 1246744 0.18160.5808 2 hours 179204 1288664 0.1391 0.4578 0.5193 (16.8) 3 hours 6130631201500 0.5102 1.5322 3 hours 670989 1236759 0.5425 1.6256 1.5789 (4.2)4 hours 1342568 1153926 1.1635 3.4229 4 hours 1009090 1169900 0.86252.5518 2.9874 (20.6) 6 hours 2372390 1064687 2.2283 6.5048 6 hours2191528 794532 2.7583 6.0388 7.2718 (14.9) Culture medium/choline withGriffiths Hygiene Product Solution (0.1 mL) added (#644705) 0 hours 67191240176 0.0070 0.0756 0 hours 5122 1259125 0.0041 0.0671 0.0713 (8i.5) 2hours 90411 1193595 0.0757 0.2745 2 hours 90674 1223364 0.0741 0.26980.2722 (1.2) 3 hours 399678 1217900 0.3282 1.0051 3 hours 719013 12374780.5810 1.7370 1.3711 (37.7) 4 hours 1044789 1054053 0.9912 2.9243 4hours 697939 1174383 0.5943 1.7754 2.3499 (34.6) 6 hours 1891991 7573362.4976 7.2843 6 hours 2340351 961501 2.4341 7.1005 7.1924 (1.8) Culturemedium/choline with Griffiths Hygiene Product Solution (0.3 mL) added(#644705) 0 hours 0.00 931217 0.0000 0.0553 0 hours 5122 1155357 0.01280.0923 0.0738 (35.4) 2 hours 90411 1084704 0.0115 0.0887 2 hours 906741087286 0.0147 0.0979 0.0933 (7.0) 3 hours 399678 1061919 0.0687 0.25403 hours 719013 1088146 0.0727 0.2658 0.2599 (3.2) 4 hours 10447891082015 0.1320 0.4372 4 hours 697939 1174717 0.2015 0.6386 0.5379 (26.5)6 hours 1891991 1053974 0.2861 0.8891 6 hours 2340351 1076652 0.37141.1303 1.0097 (16.9)

The report from BioScreen offered these conclusions:

-   -   Griffiths Feminine Hygiene Product Solution (Accession #644705)        is effective in suppressing the formation of trimethylamine        (TMA), the main foul odor causing nitrogenous material,        completely at a concentration of 1.0 mL per 3.0 mL of        clostridium sporogenes culture which is at a concentration of        9.6×10⁸ CFU/mL.    -   The Hygiene Product Solution is ineffective at a concentration        of 0.1 mL for 3.0 mL of the same bacterial culture.    -   At a concentration of 0.3 mL per 3.0 mL of the bacterial        culture, around 60% suppression of TMA was observed.    -   It should be noted, however, that even when extremely dilute at        the concentration of 0.1 mL of added material to a much larger        amount of bacteria-rich liquid in a vial, the added material did        not some strictly ineffective but may have had a dramatically        weakened effect compared to the much stronger effect of higher        doses of the material according to an embodiment of the present        invention.

Remarks

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparentthat modifications and variations are possible without departing fromthe scope of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims.As various changes could be made in the above compositions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of theinvention, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

While the foregoing description makes reference to particularillustrative embodiments, these examples should not be construed aslimitations. The inventive system, methods, and products can be adaptedfor other uses or provided in other forms not explicitly listed above,and can be modified in numerous ways within the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theclaims below.

1. A product for application to the pudendum of a user to reduce fishy odor, the product comprising at least 1% by weight of mandelic acid in a viscous lipophilic carrier having a non-zero yield stress, the product being physically associated with indicia specifying that the product should be applied to the entire pudendum to alleviate odor.
 2. The product of claim 1, wherein the product comprises at least 2% by weight or greater mandelic acid, and further comprises about 1 weight percent or greater lactic acid.
 3. The product of claim 1, where the product has an elevated yield stress allowing the product to readily adhere to substantially vertical human skin in an applied layer at least 2 millimeters thick without substantially flowing in response to gravitational force.
 4. The product of claim 1, wherein the product has a pH of 4.5 or less and comprises from 2% to 30% mandelic acid.
 5. The product of claim 1, wherein the container also holds at least one flexible wipe and wherein the product has a pH of about 5 or lower.
 6. The product of claim 5, wherein the at least one flexible wipe is pretreated with the product.
 7. The product of claim 1, wherein the indicia provide at least one of instructions that the product should be applied to pudendum after the pudendum has come in contact with a nitrogen-rich substance and instructions that the product should be applied to the pudendum after the pudendum has been exposed to a pH-elevating substance.
 8. The product of claim 7, wherein the pH-elevating substance is at least one of semen, blood, menses, vaginal discharge, feces, soap and detergent.
 9. The product of claim 7, wherein the nitrogen-rich substance is at least one of semen, blood, menses, feces, and vaginal discharge.
 10. A wet wipe product for treating the pudendum of a user comprising a container having one or more flexible porous wipes impregnated with an aqueous solution, the solution having a pH between about 2.8 and 5, the solution comprising from 1% to 30% by weight of mandelic acid, the container further comprising indicia giving directions for use of the wipes on the pudendum.
 11. The wet wipe product of claim 10, wherein a substantial portion of the mandelic acid is encapsulated for time release functionality.
 12. A feminine wipe product for reducing the production of unwanted odor from the pudendum, the product comprising an openable enclosure containing at least one wipe pretreated with an acidifying composition, the acidifying composition comprising at least 1% by weight of a first alpha-hydroxy acid comprising at least 7 carbons and having a molecular weight in the range of about 135 to about 400, the alpha-hydroxy also acid having no more than one carboxylic acid group for every 7 carbons, the acidifying composition having a pH of from 3.5 to 4.5 and further comprising at least 50% by weight of a viscous lipophilic carrier.
 13. The product of claim 12, wherein the first alpha-hydroxy acid comprises mandelic acid.
 14. The product of claim 12, wherein the acidifying composition comprises 2% or more of the first alpha-hydroxy acid and about 0.5% or more of a second alpha-hydroxy acid.
 15. A method for reducing or preventing fishy odor from the pudendum, comprising: (a) providing a user with a product comprising an acidifying composition having at least 1% by weight of mandelic acid, said acidifying composition having a pH between 2.8 and 5 in a viscous, lipophilic carrier, (b) providing directions to the user to apply the acidifying composition to the entire pudendum.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the acidifying composition further comprises at least 1% by weight of a second carboxylic acid component, and wherein the pH of said acidifying composition is between 3.2 and 4.5.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second carboxylic acid component comprises at least 1% by weight lactic acid.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein said acidifying composition has a non-zero yield stress and wherein the directions are adapted to cause said acidifying composition to effectively remain in contact with the human body for a period of at least 10 minutes after applying said acidifying composition according to the directions.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein said acidifying composition comprises a lipophilic carrier.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the product and the directions are adapted such that the composition, when applied according to the directions, will be effectively kept in contact with the pudendum for a period of at least 60 minutes, and wherein the pH on the skin in contact with the composition is between about 3.5 and 4.5 during a majority of the at least 60 minutes. 